A Ghent prosecutor that provided a candidate with information relating to a magistrature exam in advance, has been suspended for three months. The prosecutor’s salary will be subject to deductions for the duration of his suspension. The decision to suspend the prosecutor was taken by the Ghent Judicial authorities. It may be extended and will in any case remain in force until the case has been thoroughly investigated.
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Ghent prosecutor who confessed to helping candidate cheat at magistrature entrance exam suspended for 3 months
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On Sunday, the case was referred to the Attorney General, Erwin Dernicourt, who was asked to open a criminal investigation and disciplinary proceedings. Friday's decision by the Attorney General concerns only the disciplinary investigation.
"It is clear that very high ethical and deontological standards apply to an Advocate-General because he fulfils an important social mission", Mr Dernicourt said.
He added that "In the interests of the ongoing disciplinary investigation and to ensure that the case is handled calmly, no further information will be provided”.
Candidates will have to retake the written test
The High Council for Justice that set the exam says that in the light of the cheating the written test has been declared invalid for all candidates. The person involved in the examination fraud has been excluded from taking any further examinations.
The other candidates will be invited to sit a new test “in the near future” "We are making every effort to organise a new examination as soon as possible”, the High Council for Justice said in a statement.