Justice
Detectives arrested two people on Tuesday suspected of involvement in the death of Firdaous (11). The girl was killed last year when the garage door of her parental home in Merksem came under fire.
Sam Reyntjens, Joris Van der Aa
Today at 2:45 PM
The death of 11-year-old Firdaous in January 2023 sent shockwaves through the country. It was still early in the evening when five bullets were fired from a weapon of war at the garage door of the house on Nieuwdreef in Merksem. The shooter probably did not know that behind the gate was a living room with a kitchen. Firdaous was fatally struck by a bullet.
There was little doubt that it was an attack on the drugs environment, and not just because of the modus operandi. One of the uncles of 11-year-old Firdaous is Othman El Ballouti, who is widely seen as one of the world’s leading drug smugglers. It is not certain whether the shooting was intended for the illustrious uncle. Firdaous’ brother is also said to be active in the drugs environment.
Not present
The investigation into the girl’s murder was difficult and the Federal Judicial Police initially did not have many clues. The investigators did identify some possible suspects. Two suspects allegedly involved in the murder were arrested on Tuesday, the public prosecutor’s office confirmed.
It would not concern people who were present at the facts. The two, a man and a woman, are said to be part of the organization that engaged the shooter. “Their role will be further investigated,” said public prosecutor Kato Belmans.
