20 years after the kidnapping of Julie and Melissa, Belgians are still worried

20 years after the kidnapping of Julie and Melissa, Belgians are still worried

Three quarters of Belgians think that their children are no safer today than 20 years ago, during the Dutroux case. 80% think we still don’t know what really happened in that case, according to an Ipsos public opinion poll, relayed by Wednesday’s Le Soir Magazine. The first question was on the 1995 investigation, and the 2004 court verdict. 8 Belgians in 10, mainly women (87%), think we still don’t know what really happened in that case. Many of those aged 35-54 (aged 15-35 at the time) think we don’t know the whole truth.

Almost all Belgians (92%) think that Marc Dutroux should never leave prison. Again, more women (96%) than men (89%) are opposed to his release. More answered No in Wallonia (94%) than in Flanders (92%) and Brussels (85%). Those aged 55 or more are “more inclined” (11% said yes) to letting him out of prison than those aged 18-34 (7%).

The results of the poll, involving 1,000 people, show that 75% of Belgians think that their children are no safer today than during the Dutroux case. This is despite police and court reforms, and Childfocus being put in place. More Walloons (88%) than Brussels residents (74%) and Flemish people (65%) feel this way. Most of them are women (78% compared to 68% of men).

On the 24th of June, it will be 20 years since Julie and Melissa disappeared from Grâce-Hollogne, in the Liège region. The poll’s error margin is around 3.1%.

(Source: Belga)


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