Single Mother in Brussels Faces Eviction Over Son’s Behavior, Sparks Housing Debate

At the latest on July 19, Khadija Chaou, this single mother of Moroccan origin, must leave with her four children the social housing she has occupied for many years in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. She is threatened with eviction by the Logement Molenbeekois, which blames her for the behavior of one of her children.

For the mother of the family, this situation is untenable. "I didn’t think the eviction was going to happen, that the Housing could go so far in its decision. I don’t know. I’m confused. We keep our fingers crossed," she explains to the microphone of BX1.

Unfortunately, this eviction was confirmed by a justice of the peace in January, but Khadija Chaou is not discouraged. She appealed and went to the Brussels Court of First Instance on an urgent basis to request the cancellation of the decision. According to Melvin Ouédraogo, one of her lawyers, there are good chances that the court’s decision will be in favor of his client. "Khadija Chaou has the right to have a roof over her head, the right to dignity and I think she should not have been threatened with eviction in this way."

Another housing had been proposed by the Logement Molenbeekois to the family, but they consider that the place was in a dangerous neighborhood. She is not alone in this fight, she is supported by the Tenants’ Union. According to José Garcia, a member of the Union, something fishy is going on in this case. "The lessor has a confidential document that has fallen into our hands and in which it is written that the case of eviction of this family must be an example. It’s as if they want to do harm without taking into account the rights of this family." A court decision is expected for this week.