6 Belgian soldiers have been sentenced to between 3 months and 3 weeks in prison after they were convicted of assault and battery by a Norwegian court. In February of this year the soldiers were involved in mass brawl at a bar in the town of Åndalsnes. The soldiers can still appeal against their sentences if the so wish. 2 other soldiers that also stood trial were acquitted.
Prison sentences of between 21 and 60 days for 6 soldiers involved in mass brawl in Norway
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In February 4 people were injured in a brawl in the centre of the Norwegian town of Åndalsnes, in the southwest of the country. One Norwegian was taken to hospital for treatment on the injuries he sustained during the fight.
At the time, the Norwegian newspaper VG and the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported that the brawl happened outside the Nabo'n Pub. The pub’s owner Jovie Nerland said that things got out of hand after closing time. Between 20 and 30 people were involved in the fight. Ms Nerland called the police.ntences ranging from 21 to 30 days for the others.
The Belgian military has been going to Norway to train in the wintery conditions their for many years now. In February around 200 Belgian paratroopers went on exercises in Åndalsnes. The paratroopers were from the 2nd Battalion Command in Flawinne (Namur Province).
Yves Hauwaert of the armed services union ACMP told VRT News 6 of the 8 Belgian that were on trial have been given prison sentences ranging from 21 to 60 days. They were also accused of having left the scene of the fight straight away. In court the defendants said that they had left the scene as they were afraid that they might lose their jobs with the army if they were convicted.
During the trial, the judge tried to shed more light on the reason for the brawl. The soldiers have always maintained that they acted in self-defence. They allegedly received death threats and were racially abused.
The prosecution requested sentences of 60 days for 3 of the accused and sentences ranging from 21 to 30 days for the others. Damages must also be paid by some of the defendants. 2 of the accused were acquitted due to lack of evidence. All parties can still lodge an appeal if they so wish.