The Machiavelli prize 2012, given annually for ‘exceptional communication qualities’, has been awarded to Bauke Vaatstra, father of murdered teenager Marianne Vaatstra.

The jury said Vaatstra’s determination to keep the case in the public eye finally led to his daughter’s killer being caught.
A Frisian farmer was arrested for the murder in November, 13 years after Marianne Vaatstra was raped and killed. He was tracked down after police organised a mass dna test on men living close to where the girl’s body was found.
Vaatstra’s continued efforts to ensure dna testing was carried out helped change the law, which has also brought other cold cases closer to conclusion, the jury said.
Earlier winners of the prize include princess Maxima and former national football coach Bert van Marwijk.
Your thoughts? Use the comment box below.