Belgian news in brief, 13 June 2006

Islamic teachers held over beatings

Three Islamic teachers at an Antwerp mosque were remanded in custody by the city’s court on Tuesday. The three suspects are accused of child abuse. The teachers are suspected of hitting the children until they bled during Koran lessons. Police arrested the two men and woman after complaints from parents.

Shortage of liver, kidney donors

The waiting lists for liver and kidney transplants are at record highs. Hundreds of people are waiting for an organ transplant, double the number in recent years. The increase is due to medical policy in Belgium. Currently, a decision for an Hepatitis C patient to undergo an organ transplant is being made quicker than before. A new publicity campaign will start on Tuesday to meet the shortage of organ donors. More information: www.beldonor.be.

Social security websites launched

Two new websites have been launched by the Flemish and Belgian federal governments. The federal government’s website, www.kenuwpensioen.be, will give the public an indication of what kind of retirement pension they can expect. The Flemish website, www.rechtenverkenner.be, will inform the public about social security benefits.

Subject: Belgian news