Sabrina and Ouassim case: “An important signal which could be taken up in other cases” – BX1

The Human Rights League welcomes the judgment, but regrets the reaction of the police hierarchy.

The judgment fell this Tuesday morning in the Sabrina and Ouassim case: the three police officers were sentenced by the police court to sentences ranging from five to ten months in prison with partial suspension, depending on their role in the chase.

Pierre-Arnaud Perrouty, director of the Human Rights League (LDH), was invited to Bonjour Bruxelles to comment on this judgment. “It is a judgment which pronounces a conviction, which is not so common in matters of police violence.“, he emphasizes. “This represents an important signal that could be used in other cases..”

The judgment makes “more than 100 pages“, adds the director, “which is quite rare in a police court“. According to him, the judge really took the time to motivate and analyze things in depth.

“What a lack of empathy and distance”

The three police officers have already announced via their lawyer that they intend to appeal. “It is obviously their right“, declares Pierre-Arnaud Perrouty who nevertheless hopes that the second judge who will be seized of the case will examine it with as much attention.

Following this court decision, the head of the Brussels-Capital Ixelles police zone Michel Goovaerts also spoke in a press release: “I reiterate my confidence in our police inspectors and support all colleagues who work every day for a safer society. We will analyze this judgment and consider the steps to follow.”

“When his role as police chief is to protect his men, this is understandable. But at the same time what a lack of empathy and distance from the tragedy that the families experienced“, reacts Pierre-Arnaud Perrouty. “This is not likely to reassure external observers, human rights defenders, or the general public. When police officers commit mistakes, it must at least be acknowledged.”

■ An interview with Pierre-Arnaud Perrouty, director of the LDH, at the microphone of Fabrice Grosfilley