A 33-year-old Russian who is 1 of 2 men suspected of the murder of a 56-year-old man in Zeebrugge (West Flanders) will remain in custody for a further month. Previously, the other suspect in the case, a 45-year-old Russian was also remanded in custody for a month while the investigation into the murder continues.
The 33-year-old was returned to Belgium by the judicial authorities in Poland 2 weeks ago. He appeared before an examining magistrate on Tuesday morning and was remanded in custody for a further month.
At Tuesday morning’s hearing, the defence didn’t request the suspect’s release. Defence lawyer Sanne De Clerck told journalists that “My client realises that the investigation needs to take place. He didn’t resist his transfer back to Belgium and he is offering his full cooperating”.
He is reported to have also admitted his part in the 56-year-old West Fleming’s death. "Hopefully, it will soon become clear who did what and who didn't."
Murder suspect
On Friday 22 August 56-year-old Herwin Alleman was beaten and kicked following after an argument inside a convenience store in his home village of Zeebrugge. He died of his injuries.
CCTV from footage identified 2 suspects. They are Russian truck drivers that were parked up not far from where the incident occurred. They fled the country but were detained 5 days later by police in Poland. They have since been returned to Belgium and are currently both on remand.