The shocking assault filmed at Brussels’ Bourse metro station last week reportedly began with a dispute over a cigarette between two homeless men, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.
The suspect, who was arrested shortly after the attack, claims he was attacked first, his lawyer says.
The violent incident took place last Thursday near Bourse metro station, at a time when police were also dealing with clashes involving supporters of Swedish football club Hammarby. Because of the disturbances with the football fans, the confrontation between two homeless men initially went largely unnoticed.
But footage of the attack later circulated online, showing a man lying motionless on the ground with serious head injuries while another man appears to threaten him with a hammer or small axe. A third person can be seen panicking, while a woman calls emergency services.
The suspected attacker was later seen leaving the station before being stopped by police officers, who reportedly detained him at gunpoint.
A fight over a cigarette
According to information obtained by HLN, the incident allegedly started after the suspect asked the victim for a cigarette. When the request was refused, an argument broke out between the two men.
A physical fight followed, during which both men were injured. However, the suspect allegedly used a hammer, causing much more severe injuries to the victim. The injured man was taken to hospital but is no longer in life-threatening condition.
The suspect’s lawyer, Ibrahim Uckuyulu, argues that the circumstances leading up to the attack must be taken into account. “Although my client’s reaction may not have been entirely proportionate to the attack, the specific circumstances must be considered.”
According to him, his client had been attacked first and was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. “My client lost control of himself and was not acting fully consciously,” Uckuyulu said, adding that the alleged provocation by the victim could become an important element of the defence during the legal proceedings.
The suspect appeared before the council chamber on Tuesday, which confirmed his detention. The investigation into the exact circumstances of the attack is ongoing.
