A former Molenbeek resident of Moroccan descent convicted for terrorism in Belgium has opposed his deportation to Morocco citing fears that he will not receive appropriate treatment for his HIV-positive status.
The man, identified as 42-year-old Otman B., is currently detained in a holding centre in Vottem, north of Liège, in preparation for his deportation.
In 2014, he faced trial for terror-related activities and was sentenced to four years in prison along several others in what became known as the Zerkani trial, named after a man who recruited prolifically for the Islamic State in Belgium.
Otman B., appealed an initial order of deportation to Morocco, claiming he could be tortured there and citing concerns that he would not receive the medical treatment he needed as an HIV-positive person, according to Bruzz.
The man's initial appeal was rejected by the Aliens Disputes Council, an administrative court in Belgium dealing with cases of refugee or stateless persons, and it is not yet known whether he will file an appeal with Belgium's Council of State.
Gabriela Galindo
The Brussels Times
