A prisoner, Claude Silverans, was severely beaten by fellow inmates on Saturday in Ittre prison. This came after he had, three days previously, delivered a testimony about prison radicalisation on RTL-TVI.
The incident was communicated by a trade union source, confirming information disclosed by the Sudpresse publications.
The Public Prosecutor for Walloon Brabant announced that he had opened a judicial investigation.
Whilst taking advantage of a walk around the Ittre prison quad, on Saturday afternoon, Silverans was targeted by a dozen or so radical Islamists. Thrashed with kicks, punches and food cans Silverans who was in prison for burglary, was seriously injured.
Taken to hospital, he is likely to be returned to prison tomorrow.
The Sudpresse publications are saying, as previously indicated, that the attack is linked to the victim's broadcast on the television channel RTL-TVI.
Last Wednesday, he delivered a testimony on prison radicalisation in a special broadcast. This was entitled “13 November from Paris to Molenbeek”, presented by Hakima Darhmouch and Harry Roselmack.
It appears that the radicalised prisoners recognised him, despite the anonymous nature of his testimony, and may possibly have vowed to go after him.
“If the facts are proven, the presumed perpetrators will be prosecuted in the regional Criminal Court,” states the Public Prosecutor of Walloon Brabant, with whom a judicial inquiry was opened.
The independent television channel is neither confirming or denying this information. “The witness who participated in the broadcast requested that he should remain anonymous and we respect this. That goes without saying,” stated an RTL-TVI spokesman.
He added that, “It is unfortunate that a broadcast could lead to a beating, and that the facts in this case demonstrate the reality of this radicalisation.”
The trade unions consider that problems linked to radicalisation are a daily occurrence in prisons.
“Moral and physical pressures are continually exerted by radical Islamists and this form of agression constitutes a momentum, which nobody can properly eradicate,” an Ittre prison representative regrets.
The Brussels Times
