The French-speaking correctional court in Brussels is redoubling efforts to ensure the timely judgement of cases from minor drug possession to major international drug trafficking offences, it announced on Tuesday.
But to make sure that cases are processed swiftly the court warned that it is vital to have enough judicial staff available.
This year has seen Brussels become the scene of shoot-outs between rivals in the drug trafficking environment. The francophone court of first instance in Brussels has made clear its commitment to addressing the drug-related issues and playing its part in measures that have been implemented in recent years.
The court uses “fast-track” proceedings to handle many cases where defendants have been caught red-handed in possession or selling drugs. Court officials revealed that judgements in these types of cases usually occur between six to eight weeks after the offence.
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Additionally, the “traditional” correctional courts handle a range of drug-related cases of various sizes. This is followed by a specific chamber that specialises in dealing with major criminal affairs, especially significant cases that involve international connections.
For the court in Brussels to achieve its objectives, it is essential to maintain a steady supply of judges, registrars, and court staff, the judicial body urged.
