The federal prosecutors’ office will not be prosecuting 6 Dutch nationals for being part of a plot to kidnap the former Federal Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (Flemish liberal). However, the 6 that are currently being held on remand will be face prosecution for possessing illegal weapons and being part of a criminal organisation. The news first appeared in the daily ‘Het Nieuwsblad’ and has since been confirmed by the federal prosecutor’s office.
In September 2022 the then Federal Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne was reported to have evaded a kidnap attempt outside his home in Kortrijk (West Flanders).
The alleged kidnappers was said to be linked to the trade in illegal narcotics. Fire arms were found in a car parked close to Mr Van Quickenborne’s home. The then Justice Minister and his family were taken to a safe house.
Soon 4 Dutch nationals were arrested and everything pointed towards them being involved in a kidnap attempt. 2 further arrests followed. However, now prosecutors are unable to find hard evidence proving that the suspects intended to kidnap Mr Van Quickenborne.
The charges of attempted hostage taking and illegal detention have been removed from the charge sheet and the suspects will no only stand trial for the possession of illegal weapons and being members of a criminal organisation.
Mr Van Quickenborne’s lawer demands further investigation
Magistrates should have dealt with the case on Tuesday. However, the hearing was postponed as Mr Van Quickenborne’s lawyer had asked for addition elements to be investigated. He want clarification regarding the federal prosecutor’s office’s decision to not prosecute the suspects for attempted kidnapping.
When exactly Kortrijk Magistrates intend to hold the hearing that will decide what charges the suspects will face at the Criminal Court is not yet clear.