A final farewell to the "hero".
Hundreds of bereaved people gathered this Wednesday in Amsterdam in front of the coffin of the Dutch journalist shot dead two weeks ago in the capital of the Netherlands.
A long queue had formed since 07:00 in front of the Royal Theater Carré, on the banks of the Amstel, to pay a last tribute to Peter de Vries.
This is the long line of mourners waiting in Amsterdam to pay their last respect to Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries, in a local theater where the coffin with his body is placed.
@PeterRdeV was recently murdered in Amsterdam by a suspected member of a crime syndicate.
https://t.co/cKubcEvWz6
- Harald Doornbos (@HaraldDoornbos) July 21, 2021
The criminal journalist died at 64 on Thursday from his injuries after being badly hit by gunfire on July 6 in Amsterdam.
He had just left a television studio after a talk show he appeared in as a guest.
“It's important to say goodbye,” said Brenda van Coevorden, 66, outside the theater.
"I am so sad that we have lost an icon," she said again.
"He was our hero"
Peter R. De Vries was a personality known in the Netherlands for his role in several criminal cases.
He has appeared regularly as a spokesperson for victims or in the close circle of key witnesses.
He received several death threats during his career.
“He meant a lot to the Netherlands.
He did so many good things, ”added Ruth van Rosmalin.
“He was our hero.
He stood up for people who couldn't do it themselves, ”she continued.
Vaarwel Peter R. de Vries 💔 # peterrdevries #Amsterdam pic.twitter.com/orVzwmIuNN
- Vrije Tijd Amsterdam (@V_T_Amsterdam) July 21, 2021
The coffin of Peter R. de Vries was arranged inside the theater, covered with dozens of red roses and flanked by a large photograph with his portrait.
On this poster was a quotation of which he was the author: "On your knees, it is not possible to be free".
Every day, Amsterdam residents also lay flowers at the spot where a free journalist fell.
Still many people also today in front of the place where Peter R. de Vries was the victim of shooting, two weeks ago #Amsterdam #PaysBas pic.twitter.com/EFN17ON8qH
- Antoine Mouteau (@Antoineke) July 21, 2021
Two suspects were remanded in custody after the attack.
They are identified by national media as Kamil E., a 35-year-old Polish national residing in Maurik and Delano G., a 21-year-old resident of Rotterdam.
