OSCE Media Freedom Representative Teresa Ribeiro expresses deep sadness over passing of prominent Dutch journalist Peter R. de Vries
KYIV, 15 July 2021 — OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro expressed her profound sadness over the passing of prominent Dutch investigative reporter, Peter R. de Vries.
“I extend my sincere condolences to Mr. de Vries’ family, friends and colleagues, and assure them of my sympathy and support,” said the Representative.
According to a statement from his family published today by the media network RTL, which he had regularly worked for, de Vries died today after being shot in Amsterdam last week. Shortly after the shooting, two suspects were arrested, including a possible gunman. Peter R. de Vries was known for his lifetime career of investigative crime journalism and had helped the police solve a number of high-profile cases.
“This is a tragic event and a huge loss for journalism and for the wider community of investigative reporters in Europe. Journalists should never have to pay with their life for doing their work,” said Ribeiro. “I urge the Netherlands authorities to bring to justice those responsible and to clearly determine the motivation behind this terrible attack as quickly as possible.”
“The killing of a journalist is an attack on freedom of expression, freedom of access to information and, ultimately, on democracy. There can be no impunity for such heinous crimes. Those who are guilty of planning and executing the shooting of Mr. de Vries have to be held accountable,” she said.
Ribeiro reiterated her deep concern over the increasing trend of serious threats and physical attacks against journalists around the OSCE region, which has forced many of them to work under police protection. “I call once again on all OSCE participating States to support and enable a free, varied and safe media environment.”
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.