Aalter and mayor face discrimination investigation over registration policy
Equal opportunities centre Unia has filed a complaint with the East Flanders public prosecutor, arguing that Aalter’s registration policy for new inhabitants may violate anti-racism laws.
Federal migration centre Myria is also criticising the policy of the municipality and its mayor, Pieter De Crem. Their reactions came after reports from Flemish parliament member Mieke Schauvliege of Groen.
Last month, a report by VRT programme Pano and an investigation by De Morgen found that people with non-Belgian-sounding names had to wait up to nine times longer to be registered in Aalter’s population register.
The municipality, led by former CD&V minister De Crem, was found to be systematically checking the quality of housing for people of foreign origin before allowing them to register.
In response, the public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into possible breaches of anti-racism laws. Audit Flanders has also started an investigation into how Aalter handles it population registrations.
Documents show that Unia has filed an official complaint, citing possible violations of anti-racism legislation. According to Unia, the delays and extra housing inspections for people with non-Flemish-sounding names suggest discrimination.
Myria also confirms that legal registration procedures were not properly followed in several cases.
"Discrimination is never acceptable"
Schauvliege welcomed the developments. "I am satisfied that Unia and Myria have thoroughly examined this report," she said. "They confirm the suspicion of discrimination, the violations of the anti-racism law and incorrect application of the legislation. These are very serious facts."
She added: "Unia and Myria confirm the gross and discriminatory practices of De Crem in Aalter. Let the courts do their job now. Discrimination is never acceptable, and certainly not if you are mayor."
#FlandersNewsService | Aalter mayor Pieter De Crem © BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY
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