Moroccan Immigrant Faces Trial for Domestic Violence After Pandemic Lockdown Strains

Mohamed* is full of regrets. A brilliant young student, he arrived from Morocco on a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in computer science in Namur. Diploma in hand, he embarked on his professional life. He found love. Over time, he and his partner became parents to three children. But their life as a couple would not be smooth sailing. It took a bad turn in 2019 due to suspicions of infidelity on both sides. Tensions became increasingly high from March 17, 2020, the date marking the beginning of lockdown in Belgium.

The couple began working from home. But the situation worsened when Mohamed started drinking alcohol. This was the beginning of domestic violence. The violence escalated. The children were not spared. In court, the public prosecutor accuses him of being violent towards his wife and children, particularly during a terrible scene that took place on the night of May 17 to 18, 2023, reports La Dernière Heure. The MRE denies the very serious facts. "A single photo is enough. Madam is frightened and one can sense in her gaze what she has endured for several years," argues Fanny Arnould, lawyer for the civil party.

Today, the defendant regrets physically attacking his wife and children. "I did things I shouldn’t have done," he says, also assuring that he no longer touches alcohol, and that he has become "the best version" of himself. He will be quickly contradicted by lawyer Arnould, who doubts, and the director of the school attended by the children. According to new facts reported by the children, the son allegedly suffered cigarette burns on his skin.

In parallel, Mohamed is still in the midst of a legal battle before the family court for equal custody rights. The couple has since separated. After the divorce, the defendant has little contact with his children. This situation led him to file a complaint against his ex-wife for not allowing him to see his children. The verdict is expected on June 26.