Bakelmann’s lawyer did not ask the chamber for his defendant’s release, and told RTBF that it was “important for Bakelmann to continue collaborating in the investigation.”
Related News: Disappearance of Julie Van Espen: police received no less than 200 reportsBakelmann, who had been twice-convicted for rape, attempted to rape Julie and then murdered her after he was released during an appeal following his second trial.
Julie’s murder caused a wave of indignation across Belgium, prompting calls for stricter processing of sexual-abuse reports and convictions.
Residents in Antwerp on Wednesday held a silent wake for Julie, whose funeral will be held in her hometown of Schilde on May 18.
The Brussels Times