Fatal Shooting in Brussels Suburb Linked to Drug Trade, Police Investigate

Many shots were fired in the Place Orban in Forest on the night of Saturday to Sunday around midnight, said the Brussels public prosecutor’s office. During the shooting, Soufiane, born in 1997, and two other men born in 2001 and 2003 were shot, reports La Dernière Heure. The first died on the spot.

Subsequently, the Brussels public prosecutor’s office seized an investigating judge in this case of murder and attempted murder. For the time being, the investigators have not arrested any suspect. Only the hypothesis of a settling of scores in the context of drug trafficking is favored.

The neighborhood has a bad reputation. "The Orban square is known to be a hotspot for drug trafficking," confirms Cédric Pierre-De Permentier, MR group leader. For him, it is high time to act to avoid future tragedies. "The MR will question the mayor on Tuesday during the next municipal council in order to implement a policy of prevention and repression, this involves in particular strengthening the means of prevention, better facilities, as well as strengthened video surveillance," he promises.

"We will also plead for the Midi zone to work on securing the Orban square and strengthen the fight against drug trafficking. The restoration of the police station and the strengthening of the workforce are essential. No neighborhood should be left behind," the elected official pledges.