The Flemish government launches campaign against spiking as Kortrijk case grows
Flemish minister of justice Zuhal Demir has launched a new campaign against spiking, the practice of surreptitiously adding narcotics to someone's drink, often with the intent of sexual assault. The campaign comes amid growing concern following a high-profile case in Kortrijk, where dozens of potential victims have come forward in recent months.
“As a society, we really cannot tolerate this kind of criminal behaviour. Everyone should be able to enjoy themselves carefree on sultry summer evenings,” Demir said on Friday, as she presented the campaign video. The video draws a stark comparison between spiking and rape, aiming to confront perpetrators and empower bystanders to act. It also highlights helplines and support services available to victims.
“I really hope that this will wake up potential perpetrators and that bystanders will intervene, because that can really make a difference,” Demir added. Demir’s campaign aims to shift the conversation from victim-blaming to perpetrator accountability and collective responsibility.
Warning: The media below features disturbing images and dialogue about sexual assault.
Staggering number of victims in Kortrijk
The campaign is being launched against the backdrop of an escalating investigation in Kortrijk, where the public prosecutor has identified at least 52 possible victims of spiking since the case first came to light in November. Victims reported being drugged while visiting cafés in the city's nightlife district.
On Thursday, the indictment chamber confirmed that the 27-year-old former owner of café De Geverfde Vogel, a central figure in the investigation, would remain in custody under electronic surveillance. He had previously been placed under house arrest with an ankle bracelet, but the public prosecutor appealed an earlier decision to release him under conditions.
Another primary suspect, the former barman of café Patron, remains behind bars.
The scale and visibility of the Kortrijk case have added urgency to Demir’s initiative. While spiking has long been a concern in nightlife settings, recent months have seen an increase in public reports, social media testimonies and police files related to the issue.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP
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