The Walloon Brabant Correctional Court examined the case of a lock-down party-gone wrong in Waterloo on Tuesday.
The public prosecutor requested the acquittal of the police officers, asserting that they used legal and proportionate force during the night of 18-19 December 2020. Community service sentences were recommended for the parents involved, who are accused of resistance and assaulting police officers.
The incident drew significant attention during the second Covid-19 wave. Young individuals had gathered in a house in Waterloo, and the police intervention went awry.
Valérie G., the mother, who was filming the incident, slapped a policewoman violently. She had to be restrained, and her husband was also subdued. The entire event was recorded by partygoers, with video footage circulating on social media and sent to the press.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Jérôme S., the father, referred to the police intervention as "a cavalry" and "a pack," admitting that his family is spirited but honest. The family has initiated direct legal action against several police officers, claiming the use of illegitimate violence.
The public prosecutor and the civil parties asked the court to acquit the police officers. The prosecutor stressed the need for judicial truth, stating that the officers acted legally and used force appropriately.
Expressing regret over the defendants’ lack of self-reflection, the prosecutor requested a 120-hour community service sentence for Valérie G. and a 80-hour sentence for her husband. The defence will present its case on 18 February.
