Memorial service for five children today 05/03/2007 00:00

5 March 2007

BRUSSELS - "Despite this tragedy I still love my wife. Like everyone else I am waiting for an explanation." These were the words on Sunday from Bouchaïb Mokadem (43), the husband of Geneviève Lhermitte (40), the woman from Nijvel who cut their five children's throats last Wednesday.

A memorial service for Yasmine (15), Nora (11), Myriam (9), Mina (7) and Mehdi (3) will be held in the main mosque in Brussels today. The bodies will be flown to Morocco on Tuesday to be buried in Agadir.

Lhermitte's sister, who was already being treated for psychological problems before the tragedy, is pointing an accusing finger at Mokadem after the family drama: "He was very strict and wouldn't allow his family to have contact with our side of the family. He was a real tyrant."

"I have no explanation for what has happened," Mokadem said. "I have always trusted my wife. I am waiting for an explanation along with everyone else. I don't understand how it is possible that anyone can condemn a spouse like that while he is still grieving."

"I haven't even had the time to bury my children. That is why I'm asking everyone to leave me alone for some time. Please, please."

"When I was questioned I asked the court to let me see my wife and talk to her. But I am still waiting for an answer…With regard to the future, I can say nothing. I'm in the dark here. I cannot renounce my wife. Once I know the facts of the case I will make an appropriate statement. But in the meantime she continues to be my wife."

[Copyright Expatica News 2007]

Subject: Belgian news