The planned hearing of the six terror attacks trial defendants' joint lawsuit against the Belgian State has been postponed from this Monday to Friday. They accuse Belgian authorities of having mistreated them during their prison transfers.
On Friday, the six suspects currently standing trial for the 2016 Brussels terror attacks – Mohamed Abrini, Sofien Ayari, Salah Abdeslam, Bilal El Makhouki, Ali El Haddad Asufi and Hervé Bayingana Muhirwa – announced their intention to sue the Belgian State over alleged mistreatment as well as the general conditions of their transport to court.
With some having protested proceedings earlier this month by refusing to stand trial at the Justitia site in Haren, they allege in their lawsuit having been forced to undergo full strip searches, as well as being blindfolded and subjected to loud music with headphones.
As a result, their lawyers are now suing the Federal Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne and are demanding an end to strip searches and use of blindfolds if no clear and specific reason is given. Each breach can result in a €5,000 penalty.
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The summary proceedings which would determine whether the six defendants' case is admissible were originally set to take place on Monday at the Justitia site but have now been postponed until Friday.
After which, the presiding judge will have to offer a swift response for the beginning of January, when the terror attacks trial resumes after the end of the year holidays.
