Arsonist’s Reign of Terror Ends: 14-Year Sentence for Targeting Police and Civilians

The verdict was handed down on Thursday. The 57th chamber of the Brussels Correctional Court sentenced Badreddine E. to 14 years in prison for two arson attacks in inhabited buildings committed in Machelen and Zaventem in 2021 and 2022, according to La Dernière Heure. The first incident targeted an individual and his children. Using a Swiss number, the defendant was putting pressure on them to repay a debt of 6,000 euros plus interest (40,000 euros) owed to his brother.

What about the second fire? A police officer from the Brussels-North zone (Schaerbeek, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode and Evere) and his family were targeted. He had arrested the defendant a few days earlier. The fire broke out at the police officer’s home and spread to two vehicles and neighboring homes. However, there were no injuries. In the dock, the defendant denied the facts. Yet, in the final minutes of the trial, he mentioned having only given the police officer’s address to people whose identity he did not reveal. "A final attempt at manipulation with total cynicism and disrespect towards the court," noted the president of the 57th chamber.

Based on certain evidence, including the purchase of windshield washer fluid, the accelerant used in the fire, and fearing recidivism, the 57th chamber ordered the immediate arrest of Badreddine at the hearing. "I hope he will serve a good part of this sentence and not be released after a third. I feel less insecure seeing him arrested immediately at the hearing and sent to prison," commented the police officer, who has been on sick leave since. He added: "He is a daily threat, a pyromaniac, a sick person. The safety of my family and myself is now assured, I think."