The prosecution has requested a five-year prison sentence for a 70-year-old man accused of attempted murder and making threatening gestures towards a member of the Traveller community.
The defendant, a caretaker at a company in Liège, fired three shots at a camp set up near the company premises.
Between 10 and 26 July 2023, the man from Grâce-Hollogne targeted the camp, suspecting the Travellers of suspicious activities around the company.
Formerly employed by Veolia, he fired a shot at a caravan on 26 July 2023, nearly hitting a family member inside.
Investigations revealed the discriminatory motive behind the shootings. The man claimed he was against what he termed the “invasion of the country by foreigners.”
A search of his home uncovered Nazi-related items, including a bust of Adolf Hitler and Nazi uniforms.
His wife, who also owned several weapons and grenades, confirmed her husband’s resentment towards the Travellers, accusing them of theft and laziness.
She also expressed support for Nazi ideology, stating that Hitler’s ideas were initially good but he “lost control due to morphine use.”
Her statements were contested by the prosecution. The Centre for Equal Opportunities, Unia, has requested €500 in damages as a civil party.
The prosecution has called for a five-year sentence for the defendant and six months with a fine for his wife.
The defence has challenged the accusation of attempted murder. The verdict is expected on 12 March.
