LOOK. These punishments were imposed on the Reuzegommers:
“We don’t want anyone to go to jail,” Sanda Dia’s sister-in-law responds in ‘De Afspraak’. “We are not hateful people, but we would have liked to see a certain signal given by giving a certain criminal record. I don’t think these community service orders should be underestimated if you work. If they had received a suspended prison sentence, what impact would it have had on their daily lives? They should not come into contact with the law for a certain period of time, but otherwise there is no confrontation with what they have done in everyday reality. Now they are confronted every week. Especially if you work full-time and have to continue to serve society.”
Yet they are disappointed that nothing will be written on the extract from the criminal record. “We were told that a community service order in combination with a fine would indeed be on the extract, but that is not the case,” says Sanda Dia’s brother.
What is the difference between a criminal record and an extract from the criminal record?
“All governments can see what is in the criminal record,” explains Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open Vld). “Community orders only appear in the register and therefore not in the extract from the criminal record, because the aim is to let people integrate back into society. For example, you need an extract from a criminal record to apply for a job.”
“These men have certain social functions in mind, such as doctors and lawyers. It would be a fair signal – given the actions – that they do not take that responsibility. This may be possible again after an indefinite period of time. After all, everyone should be given the opportunity to grow and learn, but at the moment it should be on the extract,” concludes the sister-in-law.