Justice
The public prosecutor has asked for a five-year prison sentence for Dennis Burkas (49), better known as Dennis Black Magic. He is again on trial for rape, stalking and assault of several women. The Public Prosecution Service sees a high risk of recidivism and therefore asks for the maximum sentence, but Burkas himself maintains his innocence.
Burkas entered the Tongeren court with his partner and his mother. He is charged with rape, indecent assault, harassment, incitement to prostitution and possession of images of child abuse. Before the start of the hearing, Burkas briefly spoke to the press. He proclaimed his innocence and stated, among other things, that women today “use or abuse their gender for revenge.”
Four victims were present in person, as requested by the Tongeren judge, who required the personal appearance of all parties. But OnlyFans celebrity Nanoe Vaesen, who filed the first complaint, did not show up. It is impossible for her to be there because she is suffering greatly from the case and the fact that her name constantly appears in the media in that context, said her counselor Virginie Cottyn. “It’s about an emotional breakdown.” Cottyn pointed out to the court the many psychological sessions her client has undergone after the rape, assault and harassment.
The judge openly questioned Vaesen’s absence and urged Cottyn to convince her client to come to court, but Vaesen turned out to be unreachable. “Her phone is turned off and her boyfriend doesn’t know where she is either,” she said. Burkas claimed that Vaesen is currently in Dubai, something her lawyer could not confirm.
The four victims present, together with the Public Prosecution Service, asked for the case to be handled behind closed doors to ensure the serenity of the trial. Master Mounir Souidi, who assists Dennis Burkas, opposed this. Burkas himself indicated before the hearing that he is happy that his case is being heard today and “that the truth can finally come to light.” He maintains his innocence.
The Tongeren judge decided that there is no need to hear the case behind closed doors. Burkas did not wish to explain anything in court for the time being.
“Always the same method”
The prosecution has established the facts of rape. Moreover, according to the prosecutor, there is a high chance of recidivism. That is why an effective prison sentence of five years was requested. “His modus operandi is always the same,” it said. “He promises the ladies a great career in the porn industry and wants sexual services in return.”
“The victims are all women who are in a vulnerable situation and who entered the sector because they had no other prospects for the future,” the prosecutor said. Five of the eight people involved testified about this in court.
Burkas has previously been convicted several times for sexual offences. In 2008, he was jailed for a year for assaulting a 15-year-old. in 2011 he was sentenced to four years in prison for the rape of another 15-year-old. Each time he was arrested abroad, where he had fled to avoid his prison sentence.
