Serious instances of abuse have allegedly come to light in the Belgian army. Accusations centre on abuse of power, unauthorised violence and sexually inappropriate behaviour. Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder (Francophone socialist/PS) has admitted serious problems at the battalion.
Allegations of abuse of power and sexually inappropriate behaviour hit army battalion
Colin Clapson
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The abuse allegedly took place at the 4th Battalion of Engineers in Amay (Liège).
VRT understands the abuse allegedly took place during hazing ceremonies for new military personnel. A whistleblower raised the alarm, but it took a long time for the army to take any action.
Military staff suspended
According to an internal investigation, some 20 military personnel were allegedly involved, including soldiers and NCOs. Some are believed to have been suspended.
The battalion in question does not seem to be beyond reproach. "In recent years and months, several files on the battalion have been opened, regarding behavioural problems there," says Yves Huwart of the military trade union, the CMP-CGPM.
Humiliation, abuse and blackmail
Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder responded to the allegations of abuse at a press conference. "We are talking about humiliation, abuse, blackmail and threats, among other things," she said.
According to the minister, the acts were committed by a dozen people: experienced and less experienced soldiers, NCOs and officers. "I want to make it very clear right away that not everyone at the battalion is involved. Dozens of people were involved. There is clearly a structural problem. It’s not a one-off."
The abuse has been associated with one single platoon of the battalion and that platoon was disbanded. "That is a very harsh measure. We want to send a very clear message: such behaviour will always be met by a firm response," Ms Dedonder says.
"What happened is unacceptable," says chief of the defence staff Michel Hofman. "The abuse involved degrading and humiliating behaviour, which in some cases compromised the physical integrity of colleagues. It suggests a worrying blurring of standards, for which there is no place within our organisation."
"Breaking up a platoon is unprecedented in the recent history of the Belgian army," says chief of staff Hofman. "But a red line has been crossed."
Meanwhile, charges are also being brought in court. The public prosecutor's office in Liège is investigating 14 soldiers for degrading and humiliating behaviour and for beatings and inflicting injuries. Part of the investigation is being dealt with by the federal prosecutor's office, as some of the facts are alleged to have taken place abroad.