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Life Sentence Sought in 22-Year-Old Murder Case
A British drug criminal is on trial for ordering the murder of an innocent teacher in a case involving drug theft and revenge.
Dutch
Netherlands
JusticeHuman Rights ViolationsNetherlandsCrimeMurderTrialDrugs
Openbaar Ministerie (Om)Rtv NoordNos Nieuws
Robert D.Gerard MeestersMarianne MeestersKoen MeestersAnnemarie Meesters
- Where is the trial taking place?
- The trial is taking place at the Schiphol Judicial Complex, in the Netherlands. The court has not yet announced when it will deliver its verdict.
- What was the motive behind the murder?
- Meesters was killed as a result of a drug deal gone wrong; his sister had stolen a significant amount of drugs, leading to a revenge killing. The prosecution believes Robert D. ordered the hit because the stolen drugs belonged to him, and theft is unforgivable in the drug world.
- What sentence is the prosecution seeking?
- The prosecution is seeking a life sentence due to the severity of the crime and to ensure Robert D. remains in custody to protect society. He currently has a lengthy prison sentence in France for other drug crimes and won't be released until 2030.
- What evidence is being used against the accused?
- The prosecution's case relies heavily on statements from the shooter and his driver, who have implicated Robert D. as the mastermind behind the murder. While D. denies involvement, the prosecution sees his claims as implausible.
- Who is accused of ordering the murder of Gerard Meesters?
- Robert D., a British drug criminal, is accused of ordering the murder of Gerard Meesters, a 52-year-old innocent Dutch teacher, 22 years ago. The prosecution is seeking a life sentence for D. and a significant financial compensation for Meesters' family.