The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Ghent has demanded a two-year prison sentence and a €16,000 fine for Dries Van Langenhove, the former far-right Vlaams Belang party MP, on charges of breaching racism and holocaust denial laws.
Van Langenhove was regarded as "the undisputed leader of the group", operating in both public and private groups, and approving members, stated the prosecutor.
The prosecutor declared that the ex-MP not only shared offending contents but also advocated denialism. Initially, the charges relating to denialism were dismissed, however, civil parties appealed and the accusation chamber agreed.
Details revealed by the prosecutor demand one year imprisonment and a €16,000 fine for racial hatred and holocaust denialism. For weapon law violation, specifically possession of pepper spray, a further one year of jail and a €8,000 fine are requested.
Van Langenhove might lose his civic rights for ten years if the prosecutor's request is granted, rendering him ineligible for election.
Six months' imprisonment and an €8,000 fine are sought for his six co-defendants. The prosecutor's opinion suggests these penalties would not result in jail time; the primary goal is to communicate a clear message against racism and holocaust denialism. The prosecutor concluded by emphasising the significance of free speech, without promoting hatred.
Defence attorneys argued for acquittal, deferred judgment, or alternative sentences, such as visiting Kazern Dossin, an action taken by Conner Rousseau following his racist remarks toward Roma people. Van Langenhove's lawyer, Me Rieder reiterated his client's words, confirming he would present his arguments at the appeal court.
The verdict is expected on 12th March, and an appeal is anticipated to follow a few months after.
