The trial of Rayan R. and Anas T., two young men accused of orchestrating homophobic ambushes on eight victims targeted through the gay dating app Grindr in Summer 2024, began on Wednesday before a packed courtroom at the Brussels Correctional Court.
The eight victims were lured, assaulted, and in some cases robbed, after being contacted via Grindr. Both the UNIA and Ex Aqueo equal-opportunity organisations have joined as civil parties.
Rayan R. acknowledged his presence during most of the assaults but denied certain accusations, including the use of weapons and explicit homophobic remarks. He claimed to have acted on a misguided sense of justice, believing the men he met were potentially dangerous to minors.
“I thought I was a vigilante, but I targeted innocent people,” he confessed, admitting to a period of alcohol and drug use. He also admitted to creating fake profiles to lure victims.
Anas T., charged with three assaults, denied involvement in two incidents and admitted only to an altercation on 13 June. He was 18 years old at the time. Anas T also mistakenly believed the people he was targeting were dangerous.
Lawyer Me Venet, representing UNIA and one of the victims, condemned the confusion between homosexuality and paedophilia, showcasing the discriminatory nature of the attacks.
She stressed that targeting an app specifically for gay individuals indicated a discriminatory motive.
Me Georgiev, also an attorney for UNIA and a victim, argued that “in 2025, being gay is still dangerous,” and urged the court to stand as a robust shield against homophobia.
The victims suffered significant violence, with some losing teeth and needing dental prosthetics. Besides injuries, the attackers stole phones and bank cards, with thefts amounting to up to €1,600.
Further discussions and summations are scheduled for 28 May at 2:00 p.m.
