Dutch men appeal prison sentences for Gentse Feesten drowning death

Two Dutch men convicted in connection with the drowning of a 53-year-old man during the Gentse Feesten in 2022 have filed appeals against their prison sentences. They had been sentenced to two and four years in prison. 

The incident occurred on 17 July, when the body of Hakim Mutyaba was recovered from the water at Lousbergskaai, Ghent. Mutyaba, who could not swim, had been pushed into the water while returning from the festival. 

The two suspects, initially detained in the Netherlands, were extradited to Belgium and later released on bail under conditions after spending some time in custody. In December, a 25-year-old man was convicted of assault leading to death, neglect and involuntary manslaughter, receiving a four-year prison sentence. A 27-year-old, found guilty of neglect and involuntary manslaughter, was sentenced to two years in prison.

In addition to their sentences, the two men were ordered to pay a total of 50,900 euros in damages and 7,350 euros in legal fees to the victim’s family. 

“We appealed the sentence itself, as it was not the most appropriate from a penological perspective,” said Thomas Gillis, the lawyer for the man who pushed Mutyaba into the water.

The appeal proceedings are expected to begin in the coming months.

^{​#FlandersNewsService | The two convicted Dutch men in court © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS}