Sanda Dia trial: Courts call 'inflammatory statements' by politicians 'unacceptable'
The Judiciary of Belgium has crticised the "inflammatory statements" made by some politicians following the verdict of the trial of Sanda Dia's deadly hazing, calling them "inadmissible and unacceptable". It also called for the public's discontent and distrust to be taken seriously.
The Judiciary says the trial ended calmly, but that after a few days, there was a change in perception. It criticised statements made by CD&V leader Sammy Mahdi, who denounced the conclusion of the trial and supported the YouTuber Acid, who had shared the names of the perpetrators on social media.
"It is incomprehensible to the Judiciary that some politicians use inflammatory language and implicitly support an alternative sanctioning circuit"
"We can understand when people disagree with a court ruling. However, this dissatisfaction should never lead to people taking the law into their own hands," a press release reads. "It is incomprehensible to the Judiciary that some politicians use inflammatory language and implicitly support an alternative sanctioning circuit."
The Judiciary calls on politicians to respect the judgment of the Antwerp Court of Appeal, for the "signal of dissatisfaction and distrust from the public to be picked up and taken seriously" and for a parliamentary debate on the matter.
"It is essential that everyone takes their role seriously and thinks about which statements and behaviour are appropriate and which are not"
"It is essential that everyone takes their role seriously and thinks about which statements and behaviour are appropriate and which are not. That means: not fuelling conspiracy theories, not making society-disrupting statements, communicating knowledgeably about judicial procedures, doing everything possible to restore citizens' trust in institutions by connecting, explaining and interpreting and not polarising."
Many people find the punishment of the fraternity members - a fine and community service - to be too lenient. There have been protests in Antwerp and Brussels and online outrage.
A large mural of Sanda Dia, the 20-year-old engineering student who died during an extreme hazing ritual © BELGA PHOTO INE GILLIS
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