AMSTERDAM, WILLEMSTAD – A man suspected of holding a leading role in the criminal organization behind the assassination of Dutch journalist Peter R. de Vries will testify publicly during the upcoming appeal trial, the Amsterdam Court of Appeal has ruled this week.

Lawyers had argued that Curaçaoan suspect Raily Bart should be questioned behind closed doors, fearing he would remain silent in a packed courtroom. The court rejected this request, insisting that his testimony be heard in open court.

The 39-year-old Bart was arrested in Curaçao on April 14. He is already serving a nearly 20-year prison sentence for his role in a deadly 2014 shooting at Hato International Airport. According to the Public Prosecution Service (OM), Bart orchestrated De Vries’ murder from his cell in the SDKK prison in Curaçao.

Prosecutors allege that Bart maintained a criminal network in the Netherlands, which he used to finance and direct other suspects in the case.

Peter R. de Vries, a well-known crime reporter and advocate for victims, was shot in downtown Amsterdam on July 6, 2021. He died nine days later from his injuries.

The substantive hearings of the appeal will begin in October. The separate criminal case against Bart himself will be handled at a later stage.