In August 2020 there were violent riots on the beach in Blankenberge. A group of Brussels youths were then asked to leave the beach and then turned on the police and lifeguards, who pelted them with parasols, deck chairs and toys.
Three troublemakers were arrested on the spot and subsequently taken into custody by an investigating judge. Additional suspects were later identified through further investigations. In the end, five men had to stand trial.
Today the verdicts came down. Three rioters received 150 hours of community service and one received 100 hours. A fifth defendant was interned in a psychiatric hospital. He cannot be held responsible for his actions and has already been interned in connection with another case. The rioters also have to pay thousands of euros in damages.
The prosecution had requested prison sentences of up to 18 months, but the judge did not accept this argument. Patrick Arnou, the lawyer for the city of Blankenberge, is satisfied: “These are harsh punishments. The judge wanted to send a clear signal and say that what happened is not acceptable.”
2023-11-13 15:03:14
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