A 17-year-old boy has appealed to the Council of State against the preventive house arrest imposed on him by Antwerp Mayor Bart De Wever (N-VA) on New Year’s Eve.
Gazet van Antwerpen reported the news on Friday, and De Wever’s office confirmed it. The Council is expected to issue a ruling today.
As in previous years, the city of Antwerp imposed preventive house arrest on 47 young repeat offenders in mid-December to ensure a "trouble-free New Year’s Eve." The mayor's office has routinely implemented this measure since 2022. That year, 27 individuals were ordered to celebrate New Year's Eve at home.
In 2023, 31 individuals aged between 13 and 22 that are known to the police for repeat offences such as fighting, vandalism, or weapon possession, were placed under house arrest on December 31.
On New Year’s Eve, the police conduct checks to ensure the young people comply with the house arrest. The identities of the young individuals are not disclosed, but they are typically involved in serious misdemeanours. This year, 47 people received notifications in mid-December instructing them to remain at home on New Year's Eve.
