A suspect was apprehended on Sunday (yesterday), around 2.50 p.m., for having taken out the eyes of a man. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. Sunday morning, in the Place du Champ de Mars in Ixelles. The Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office indicated this today (Monday).
The victim was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
The alleged perpetrator's case will be referred to an investigating judge in the morning (Tuesday). The potential case against the man is for assault and battery, torture and inhumane treatment.
Police called to the crime scene found the victim's eyes, as well as a blade. Initial investigatory evidence indicates that it was not a conflict between urban gangs, but a dispute linked to the different African origins of the two individuals concerned.
The victim may have had an altercation earlier in the day with the suspect. It is thought that both men were then in the Place du Champ de Mars, where they probably lashed out at each other.
As indicated, the suspect fled after taking out the eyes of the victim.
The suspect was apprehended whilst being treated in hospital. Police, who were at the hospital investigating another case, found his suspect injuries.
He acknowledged having been in a fight with the victim, but could not categorically confirm that he had taken the latter's eyes out. The two men are both aged 33, with no previous convictions and live in Belgium. The suspect has Dutch nationality and the victim has Belgian nationality.
The Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office has required various investigations, amongst which include the Federal Police Scientific Laboratory visiting the scene.
The investigation continues.
The Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office will make it known, during today, whether the potential warrant for the man's arrest is to be issued.
The Brussels Times
