Family of Brussels Police Chase Victim Challenges Prosecutor’s Dismissal Communication

"Why does the King’s prosecutor’s office communicate its position when there is still no date set for the hearing before the council chamber? Why precisely at a time when decisions are expected concerning the deaths of Lamine, Mehdi and Mawda, in which the police are also involved? Is this a communication strategy?" These are the questions the young man’s family would like to have answered.

In a press release, the family recalled that according to the Code of Criminal Procedure, the investigating judge authorizes the public prosecutor when the public interest requires it to communicate information to the press. Following the incidents caused by the presentation of this court decision by a certain press, it therefore invites the public prosecutor to demonstrate that it has received the agreement of the investigating judge for this communication and to justify the "public interest".

"We keep the hope of a public trial and yet, today, we have the feeling of a second injustice," the family continues. "From the beginning, we have refused interviews to leave space and discretion to the investigation. We called for calm during the first riots in Anderlecht. We put all our hope in justice and yet..." they lament. For Adil’s family, their son could have been anyone’s child and the need for truth and justice could be felt by everyone.

After a few months of investigation, the Brussels public prosecutor’s office issued a dismissal due to the absence of charges against the police officers involved in the fatal accident of the young Adil, including the driver. In the opinion of the investigating judge, no criminal offense was committed with regard to the automobile expert report. This verdict provoked the anger of the young people, who gathered on the Place du Conseil in Anderlecht to protest through stone throwing, Molotov cocktails. They also burned a car. No injuries were reported following these incidents.