Dutch prosecutors demand life sentences in reporter slaying

By PETER DEJONG
Associated Press

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Prosecutors have demanded life sentences for two men charged in the brazen killing of a Dutch investigative reporter as his children paid tribute to a courageous journalist and loving father and grandfather. The slaying of Peter R. de Vries triggered a national outpouring of grief and government pledges to crack down on Amsterdam’s violent underworld. Prosecutors accuse a 21-year-old Dutchman of shooting De Vries in Amsterdam on July 6 last year. The campaigning reporter died nine days later of his injuries. The second suspect on trial is a Polish national, who is the alleged getaway driver. Prosecutors Tuesday cited the “extremely serious” nature of the crime, the suspects’ lack of remorse, and a string of previous underworld murders as reasons for demanding life sentences.