A Brussels court heard on Wednesday how a man faces a year in prison – potentially suspended – after allegedly dragging a police officer along in his car last May.
The prosecutor argued the man had taken off in his car while a police officer was leaning in, pulling the officer along. Initial attempts were made by the cop to inspect the vehicle due to suspicions of the man driving in the opposite direction with an unregistered number plate.
The Public Ministry’s representative substantiated the charges, reminding the court that the accused was driving the wrong way and the license plate did not match the car. An officer from the Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police zone decided to undergo a check when he halted at a red light.
Describing the incident, the prosecutor said the officer had been dragged several metres, managing to throw himself clear to avoid hitting a signpost. The accused reportedly continued to assault the officer with his arm while the latter clung onto the vehicle, according to an eyewitness account.
The accused, however, claimed to be unaware that he was dealing with a police officer. "I was under medication and out of sorts," he said. "I fled Gaza and arrived in Belgium on 11 April, seeking asylum. I was confused and didn’t know how to react. I didn’t mean to do that."
His counsel, Audrey Dumont, argued for acquittal as the primary plea, with a simple suspension of any judgement secondary. "My client’s reasoning isn’t without merit. He doesn’t speak French and got scared seeing someone intruding into his car. This was his sister-in-law’s car, as he relocated to meet his family in Belgium after escaping war in his native land."
The incident took place around 18:00 on 14 May on Barthélémy Boulevard, Brussels, near Porte de Ninove. With the victim officer now free from the suspicious vehicle, his associate chased off after it. The perpetrator ultimately stopped near Anderlecht’s Abattoirs and was apprehended.
The injured officer subsequently took four days’ sick leave. The verdict is set to be delivered on 26 June.
