Humiliating": the boss "Dikke Nordin" contests the security measures at his trial in Antwerp

The 37-year-old man of Moroccan origin was physically present for the first time. But even before the start of the debates, his lawyers intervened, reports Belga. Mr. Louis De Groote denounced the conditions of his presence, considering that the "way the defendant is represented is unnecessarily humiliating" and compromises the "presumption of innocence". The defense has requested that the trial be conducted in accordance with the rule of law.

The public prosecutor immediately replied by explaining that these measures, including the presence of hooded agents, stemmed from an external decision by the prison administration. This decision is justified by an "extreme risk of escape" and a risk of "continuation of criminal activities". The prosecutor stressed that the court had no influence on this protocol.

The court considers the measures "proportional"

After retiring to deliberate on the defense’s complaint, the court ruled in favor of maintaining security. The judges considered that the measures put in place were "proportional" and "legal", adding that they had "no influence on its impartiality" to judge the case.

Immediately after this decision, "Dikke Nordin" E. H. left the courtroom under police escort to be returned to his cell.