The Socialist Party's (PS) decision to nominate Yassine Akki for the position of a councillor in the college of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean in Brussels has been withdrawn. The move comes after local media revealed he raped a minor in 2001.
The lists of PS, their Dutch-speaking equivalent Vooruit and the workers' party PTB-PVDA reached an agreement on Tuesday to form a coalition in Molenbeek. The French-speaking socialists nominated, among others, Yassine Akki as councillor in the municipality's college. He served in Molenbeek during the past legislature and has been president of the Port of Brussels since 2020.
However, just one day later, the Molenbeek section of PS and Akki jointly announced the withdrawal of his candidacy.
Their joint decision follows reports on Akki's criminal record in the press. La Dernière Heure wrote on Wednesday that in March 2001 he was sentenced to four years in prison, two of which were suspended, for the rape of a minor who was over 16 years old at the time. Previously, in 1998, he had been sentenced to ten months with a reprieve for burglary.
'Fully reintegrated'
PS had been aware of the convictions for some time. A person with a criminal record can stand for election, become a councillor or even mayor, except in cases of murder.
However, there was a great deal of discontent within the Molenbeek PS about Akki being nominated for the councillor position. The opposition also expressed their indignation.
The local branch of PS and Akki pointed out in a joint statement that the incident "took place almost 30 years ago" and that Akki has since fully reintegrated. "He has founded a family, he is married and a father of six children." The statement added that he has also been actively involved in politics, advocating for Molenbeek's most vulnerable residents.
However, he has reportedly chosen to step aside to ensure the smooth establishment of the majority "solely in the interest of the people of Molenbeek and my voters."
The PS thanked Akki for his "sense of responsibility" and said a new candidate would be appointed soon to complete the municipal college team.
