Crime journalist Peter R. de Vries, who was shot in Amsterdam on Tuesday evening, is still in hospital in a critical condition, his family says. Two suspects, Delano G and Kamil E, will be brought before the examining magistrate on Friday.
Witnesses report hearing five shots on Tuesday evening, and the Dutch police have confirmed that De Vries was shot in the head. Little has been revealed about his condition, but according to the latest reports from his family, the situation remains unchanged and De Vries continues to fight for his life.
“A lot remains uncertain,” the family told the Dutch television programme RTL Boulevard, on which De Vries appeared as a guest before the incident on July 6. In a statement, they said they were pleased with the quality of care De Vries was receiving.
Two suspects were arrested after the incident on Tuesday, 21-year-old Delano G from Rotterdam, and 35-year-old Kamil E, who is originally from Poland but now lives in the town of Maurik in Gelderland. Delano is the suspected shooter, while Kamil reportedly drove the getaway car.
Police are still investigating who orchestrated the attack. However, a link has been found between Delano and Ridouan Taghi. Delano is believed to be the cousin of Jaouad W, who was the main suspect in an earlier investigation into a criminal gang linked to Taghi. Taghi is currently on trial, along with 16 co-defendants, for his involvement in at least 10 murders and drug trafficking. De Vries is working as a counsellor for a key witness in this trial.
Delano and Kamil will appear before a magistrate on Friday, where they will be presented with the charges and required to enter a formal plea. The police are expected to release more information following the arraignment.
Thumb via Amanda Weideman.