Jul 07, 2023 at 9:48 PMUpdate: an hour ago
A Belgian ex-serviceman who was wanted for making death threats to the Prime Minister of Belgium on social media has been arrested in Norway.
Among other things, the man posted a video on Facebook in which he shoots some holes in a photo of Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. He also left a message on social media that sounded like a farewell message.
The man was eventually found in Norway through “thorough investigation and good international cooperation”, says the Belgian Public Prosecution Service (OM). VRT NWS.
It was already taken into account that the man had gone abroad. For example, in one of the videos he reported that he was hiding from the army in Norway.
The house of the former soldier in Leopoldsburg, Belgium, is being searched for evidence. The explosives disposal service is also taking action, the OM reports.
Former soldier was fired for membership in a motorcycle gang
The man, aged 29 or 30, was fired from the army last month because he was said to be a member of a criminal motorcycle gang. In addition to De Croo, he may have also threatened other members of the government. The suspect has “apparently right-wing extremist ideas” and possibly psychological problems, the OM says.
The Belgian judiciary has opened a terrorism investigation, but it is not yet known whether there was actually a terrorist threat. Belgium will ask for extradition so that the investigation can be continued there.
2023-07-07 19:48:06
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