The sentencing court in Antwerp will decide on Friday next week whether Fouad Belkacem, who was the head of the terrorist organisation Sharia4Belgium, will have access to limited detention benefits. If this is granted to him, he will be able to leave the prison during the day on condition that he returns every night.
Fouad Belkacem has received several sentences in recent years, including for charges of inciting violence in Molenbeek after the inspection of a woman in a niqab, for inciting hatred of non-Muslims in videos broadcast on YouTube and for the harassment of Frank Vanhecke, widower of Marie-Rose Morel and former president of Vlaams Belang. His most severe sentence dates back to January of last year when he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the recruitment of fighters sent to Syria and the other activities of Sharia4Belgium.
The man, who has been behind bars for four years, filed a request for limited detention on Tuesday with the Antwerp court. Limited detention would enable him to take care of his children during the day and to seek work or training in order to gradually reintegrate into society.
The sentencing court will make its decision next Friday.
The Brussels Times
