Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt (73) had to appear before the police judge in Bruges, West Flanders, on Tuesday morning for ignoring a red light. Lawyer Christine Mussche defended the ex-politician, who did not go to court himself. She asked for the sentence to be suspended. “We fear the negative publicity that a conviction would bring.”
Axel Hoornaert
Regional journalist at HLN
Guy Verhofstadt (Open Vld, today Anders) ignored a red traffic light on the ring road in Bruges, near the Katelijnepoort, on April 27 around 10:45 p.m. The light had been red for 29 seconds at that time. “This is usually seen as a serious infringement, and rightly so,” lawyer Christine Mussche opened. “But in this case there are elements that could lead to a suspension.”
“He drove through the red light at only 27 kilometers per hour. This is a distraction error. He also noted this in a statement that I have today. Moreover, he has had a driver’s license for 59 years and he still has a clean criminal record. He has already been behind the wheel both at home and abroad.”
Suspension
Mussche therefore requested the suspension, a favorable measure. In that case, the judge considers the facts proven, but no sentence is imposed and therefore nothing appears on the defendant’s criminal record. “We fear the negative publicity that a sentence would bring. My client is still incredibly active. He has just published a book. A conviction would really be a stain.”
The Bruges prosecutor did not immediately like that. “The defendant may have an impeccable record and a clean criminal record, but it is not the case that he really needs a clean criminal record.”
The judge decided to take the matter under consideration. In two weeks, on Tuesday, May 19, the judge will pronounce the verdict.
