The police unions organized a day of action in Brussels today to demand more respect for the police. About 10,000 demonstrators marched through the capital. ‘VTM NEWS’ went on the road with agents from the Brussels South zone last night. What the police officers find most disturbing is the sense of impunity for violence against them. All too often the perpetrator goes unpunished, or it takes a long time before a punishment is imposed. This is certainly a frustration in Brussels.
ADN
28 Nov. 2022
Latest update:
20:41
Source:
VTM News
The joint trade union front of ACV Police, VSOA Police and NSPV held a day of action in Brussels today. The trade unions marched in large procession from the North Station to the Wetstraat. They asked for more respect for the police and the office they perform, and want, among other things, a zero tolerance for violence against the police. The reason for the demonstration is the attack on a police patrol in Schaerbeek earlier this month, in which a young officer was killed.
impunity
Kristof, chief inspector in the Brussels-South zone, testifies to ‘VTM NEWS’ about the fact that perpetrators of aggression against police officers often seem to escape punishment. “They are sometimes released quickly because there is no additional risk or no flight risk, or for other circumstances. And normally there will be a trial, but when? You have no view on that. That can create a feeling of impunity for certain people.”
False calls
Officers sometimes also have to turn out for false calls, in which groups then pelt police officers. Colleagues of Kristof were already attacked with “everything that was unrelated”.
And there are certain zones where police officers know well that they have to intervene with more people for interventions, it sounds.
LOOK. 10,000 people demonstrate in Brussels for more respect for the police
Signal
“We ask policymakers and the judiciary to take concrete measures. More resources are needed for our services, and more guidance,” said Luc Breugelmans, representative of the ACOD-LRB Police, during the demonstration this afternoon. “And the court must also do its job. Cases of aggression against the police that are dismissed, that is not possible.”
“Not everyone has to go to jail, but there are plenty of alternative punishments. A signal must be sent that violence against our services will not be tolerated,” said Breugelmans. “It is no wonder that it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract new colleagues. That is why we have come together today to make our voices heard.”
LOOK. How does the government deal with impunity for violence against the police? Minister of the Interior Annelies Verlinden responds
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