Antoine Chome, a Brussels criminal defence attorney, lodged an official complaint for assault and battery after he was manhandled by police officers from the Court of Justice in Brussels on Wednesday. According to him they tackled, handcuffed and incarcerated him while he was injured, revealed Brussels public prosecutor's office. The internal control services of Brussels Capital-Ixelles police force are investigating. Antoine Chome was questioned on Thursday. A great many witnesses are currently being identified for interrogation as are the policemen involved in the case.
Antoine Chome was trying to enter the Court of Justice through a corridor next to the Assizes courtroom where he was about to lead a case. He was challenged by security forces and a scuffle ensued.
Since heightened security measures were taken in Brussels, attorneys and defendants all have to enter the Brussels Court of Justice via security gates. Attorneys point out that the new measures delay their access to the building and make them late for court hearings.
(Source: Belga)
