Fines for Friends of Former Belgian Justice Minister

Two friends of former Belgian Justice Minister Van Quickenborne were fined for urinating against a police van following a birthday party at the ex-minister’s home. The van was stationed outside in 2023 to deter threats from the drug world.

While no officers were inside, they were monitoring via a surveillance camera. Van Quickenborne appeared in the footage but faced no charges due to insufficient evidence.

The footage suggested he was intoxicated and mimicked a urination gesture on the public road, which a friend denied, claiming he was “air guitaring.” On August 14, 2023, Van Quickenborne celebrated his 50th birthday with around sixty guests, stating he offered “beers and pita, just like in my younger days.” The atmosphere turned rowdy, according to footage obtained by VRT NWS. At 8:38 PM, some guests exited, with a man in white urinating on the van.

Hours later, more guests, also in white, emerged, with one kicking the bumper and urinating. “Throughout the evening, the police van was urinated on four times by two people,” reported the Flemish broadcaster on their website.

The observing officers felt deeply insulted and demanded compensation, leading to a defamation investigation. Party attendees, including Van Quickenborne, did not cooperate, with none reportedly naming names, as per VRT NWS.

However, two men, aged 50 and 52, were identified and fined 1,250 euros, along with a moral damage fee of 1 euro to the officers, and were charged with cleaning the van.

Source: NOS

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