A Mechelen court convicted two Palestinian men of attempted manslaughter following a family honour dispute that resulted in a violent altercation.
The men, Mohammed, 29, and Ahmed, 19, are distant relatives. The incident traces back to a conflict in March 2024 when Mohammed clashed with Ahmed’s older brother, resulting in injuries from a key. This led to a heated WhatsApp argument between Mohammed and Ahmed on 30 October 2024.
According to prosecutors, the men exchanged severe insults, which included derogatory terms and threats. Ultimately, they agreed to meet the following day, leading to a fight. Mohammed sustained a wrist cut, while Ahmed suffered neck and chest wounds, putting his life briefly at risk. The prosecutor sought a five-year prison sentence for each.
The defendants requested acquittal, claiming self-defence after being attacked by the other. Their lawyer, Manu Bande, argued that an exaggerated sense of honour in their culture led to the trivial argument escalating into a family feud requiring vengeance.
Both men received five-year sentences, with only their pre-trial detention being immediate. They are also prohibited from contacting each other, must seek employment, and must avoid any further criminal activities.
