2016 BRUSSELS ATTACKS: Alternate juror drops out on penultimate day before deliberations
On the penultimate session before the jury begins deliberations on the terrorist attacks of 22 March 2016, another alternate juror dropped out.
The man was absent on Wednesday morning and was due to see a doctor during the day. That leaves 12 regular jurors and 15 alternates.
The jury will begin deliberating on Thursday evening. During these deliberations, which are expected to last several weeks, the regular jurors and their alternates will have no contact with the outside world. They will have to consider nearly 300 charges.
Ultimately, only the 12 actual jurors will decide, with the 15 alternates on stand-by in case any of the 12 drop out.
The prosecution is calling for eight of the 10 defendants to be found guilty of terrorist murder and attempted murder. Smail Farisi is only guilty of participating in a terrorist group, according to the prosecution, while his brother Ibrahim is seeking acquittal.
After deliberating on the question of guilt, the jury will have to decide on the sentence in September.
© BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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