On August 21, 2024, security at the Bruges prison noticed that packages were being thrown over the wall around 7 p.m. It turned out to be two tennis balls, wrapped in plastic foil. One tennis ball contained a mini mobile phone and a USB charger, while the other tennis ball contained a mini mobile phone, two USB sticks with music, 24 grams of cannabis, cigarette leaves and a sponge. However, the projectiles did not reach the end of the walk.
Catapults
Thanks to camera images, three men came into the crosshairs of the investigators. After the incident, Brussels resident Oussam K. (22) and Kortrijk residents Mohammed S. (28) and Youssef W. (26) got into a gray car with Spanish license plates. The highway police were able to arrest the three and driver Youssef E. (24) half an hour later. In the vehicle they discovered another package containing an iPhone, but also two catapults.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, the throwers had hundreds of telephone contacts with various detainees. Oussam K. also received 24 months in prison for theft with violence. The prosecutor demanded one year of effective imprisonment and a 1,600 euro fine for all defendants.
“Quick wit”
Youssef E. was the only one to ask for an acquittal. The man, who lives in Catalonia, insisted in vain that they were just going to the beach for a day. “On the way back, he waited in the car while the others supposedly went to a store,” said master Charlotte Pintelon. The other defendants acknowledged that they were convinced by comrades who were in prison under difficult conditions. “It’s rife, but these four ‘capons’ are witty,” says master Stijn Roels.
