Three suspects in attempted kidnapping of Belgium's Justice Minister to stay in custody

The three Dutch nationals suspected of attempting to kidnap Belgium's Justice Minister Van Quickenborne (Open VLD, Flemish socialists) will remain detained, the Kortrijk court ruled on Friday.

On 24 September 2022, the home of Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open VLD, Flemish socialists) in the city of Kortrijk was placed under increased security due to a possible threat. 

Three suspects were arrested in the Dutch cities of The Hague and Leidschendam on the night of 23-24 September. A fourth was arrested a day later in The Hague. They are suspected of being involved in an attempted kidnapping of Belgium's Justice Minister. 

The minister and his family stayed in a safehouse for a period of time. Since 8 December, they have returned to a secure location due to an increased threat level. The extradition of a fifth suspect detained in the Netherlands will be decided on next week.

^{Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS}