This judicial year begins today with a heavy agenda, from record drug seizures to historic genocide cases underlining the gravity of the work awaiting Belgium’s courts.
On 1 September at 10:30 a.m., the Court of Cassation in Brussels will officially open the new judicial year. For Brussels courts and tribunals, the upcoming months are set to be dominated by a series of high-profile cases involving drugs, sexual violence, and even genocide.
Here is an overview of the key trials that will mark the start of the judicial term.
Record-breaking crystal meth seizure
Credit: Belga
On Friday, 5 September, the Dutch-language criminal court will deliver its verdict in a case involving the import of 547 kilograms of crystal meth, concealed inside industrial machinery shipped to Kinrooi. Discovered in July 2024, it remains one of Belgium’s largest meth seizures. Two suspects face sentences ranging from 40 months to eight years, though both are seeking acquittal.
Drug smuggling via Brussels Airport
On Monday, 8 September, five suspects, including two airport employees, will appear before the Dutch-speaking criminal court to face charges of large-scale cocaine smuggling through Brussels Airport. Investigators recovered 120 kilograms of cocaine, valued at €6 million, along with considerable cash sums.
Encrochat and Sky ECC drug networks
From Monday 15 September, the Justitia site in Haren will host two major drug cases.
The first concerns the Encrochat/Sky ECC trials, following encrypted communications that uncovered extensive networks involved in cocaine and cannabis trafficking, as well as nine secret drug laboratories. Last year, 115 individuals and four companies were found guilty, with sentences ranging from 14 months to 17 years. More than 58 have appealed.
The second case centres on an alleged international operation led by Belgian Flor Bressers and Brazilian Sergio Roberto de Carvalho, accused of smuggling at least 45 tonnes of cocaine into Europe in 2019. For security reasons, the Bruges trial has also been moved to Justitia.
Nightclub owner accused of abuse
VO Communication Marie Thibaut and Carl De Moncharline pose for the photographer at the Belga News Agency event for spokesmen in Brussels, Thursday 09 February 2017. Credit : Belga
On Tuesday, 9 September, the French-speaking criminal court will deliver its verdict in the case of Brussels nightclub owner Carl De Moncharline, accused of sexually abusing three minors at his club The Wood in 2014 and 2015. Prosecutors have requested a two-year suspended sentence, although the defence argues that the case has exceeded the reasonable time limit.
Former RTBF journalist on trial
On Wednesday, 17 September, the same court will hear the case of former RTBF journalist Thomas R., who is accused of sexually assaulting two women. Other complaints against him have expired under the statute of limitations.
Gaza war crimes case against the Belgian state
'J'Accuse' protest campaign by SOS Gaza, in collaboration with LOV2030, the Leuven Coalition for Palestine/ Credit : Belga
On 15 and 24 September, the French-speaking court of first instance will hear a case brought by several pro-Palestinian NGOs, including Justice for Gaza and the Belgian-Palestinian Association. They accuse the Belgian state of failing to act against alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza and are demanding an end to arms shipments, trade restrictions on settlements, suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and freezing the assets of Israeli commanders.
ISIS member and the Yazidi genocide
On 30 September, the Assize Court will hold a preliminary hearing into the case of Belgian ISIS member Sammy Djedou, accused of involvement in the Yazidi genocide. Although Djedou was almost certainly killed in a 2016 US airstrike in Raqqa, the trial, set to open with jury selection on 3 November, will proceed in absentia.
Relatives of Jürgen Conings in court
On 6 October, seven individuals connected to far-right soldier Jürgen Conings, who died in 2021, will appear before the Dutch-language criminal court. Although no evidence was found of an attack plot, they face charges related to firearms offences.
Test-Aankoop versus Ryanair
On 5 November, the French-speaking business court will hear Test-Aankoop’s case against Ryanair. The consumer organisation accuses the airline of engaging in misleading practices, including a lack of price transparency in bookings and charges for hand luggage, which is in breach of EU rules.
Assassination of Patrice Lumumba
Finally, on 20 January 2026, the presiding judge will review the assassination of Congo’s first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba. The federal prosecutor has requested the referral of 92-year-old former diplomat Etienne Davignon for alleged involvement in war crimes and unlawful imprisonment. Lumumba was executed in Katanga on 17 January 1961, just months after Congo’s independence, in the presence of Belgian officials.
