2016 Brussels terror attacks trial: Belgian athlete Kevin Borlée exempted from jury duty
On Wednesday morning, the Belgian athlete Kevin Borlée appeared before the Brussels Court of Assizes as one of some 700 prospective jurors summoned for the trial of the 2016 Brussels terror attacks. However, the presiding judge Laurence Massart exempted him as a juror. "Not for medical reasons, as you can imagine", Massart commented.
Around 10:20 am on Wednesday, the court started reviewing summoned prospective jurors' exemption requests. Many argued they could not be jurors during the months-long trial for family or professional reasons. However, the court president refused most exemption requests.
Some exemption requests were accepted on medical grounds or due to a close connection to the events. Other candidates were exempted because they no longer live in the Brussels region. One woman was exempted because she recently lost her father and said she would not be capable of following the trial.
Kevin Borlée, a Belgian sprinter specialising in the 400-metre dash, was also exempted from jury duty. Borlée won bronze at the 2011 World Championships and is the 2010 European Champion in the 400 metres. He qualified for the Summer Olympics 400 metres finals in 2012 and was a semi-finalist at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
The court will assemble a jury of twelve effective jurors and twenty-four alternates. After reviewing all exemption questions, the names of the remaining prospective jurors will be placed in an urn for lots to be drawn. Both the defence and prosecution may then each challenge eighteen effective or alternate jurors without stating a reason. The presiding judge can also challenge jurors if more than eight have been drawn of the same sex. After jury selection, the trial of the 2016 Brussels terror attacks will start in earnest on 5 December.
© BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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