Police in Antwerp have searched 3 properties as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal circumcisions. The investigation started around 6 months ago. 2 of the properties searched were all in the city Jewish Quarter, the other in 't Groen Kwartier.
VRT News sources report that during the searches a number of items were confiscated. It is possible that these included implements that were used to carry out the circumcisions. No one has been detained.
The searches were carried out at the request of an Antwerp Examining Magistrate that is leading an investigation into illegal circumcisions. The investigation was launched after, amongst other things, a complaint from a member of Antwerp’s Jewish community.
The criminal investigation is into allegations that men without the necessary medical training carried out circumcisions. The circumcisions were allegedly carried out on newborn baby boys.
The searches were carried out at 2 addresses in Antwerp’s Jewish Quarter and at a house in the ‘t Groen Kwartier area of Antwerp.