Belgian news in brief, 15 June 2006

Antwerp ‘racist killer’ stays in jail

Antwerp Court extended the remand detention of Hans Van Themsche by three months on Thursday. The 18-year-old is accused of carrying out the racist Antwerp shootings on 11 May. Police will stage a reconstruction of the double murder on 22 June. Van Themsche will co-operate with the reconstruction.

Medical costs for ‘illegals’ skyrockets

The amount of urgent medical attention provided to illegal immigrants in Belgium has almost increased fivefold in the past few years, Social Integration Minister Christian Dupont said. In 2000, medical assistance cost EUR 4.6 million. In 2002, that was EUR 12.5 million and EUR 17.6 million a year later. In 2004, it amounted to 24.6 million. Last year, medical care cost EUR 15.5 million, but the social security offices OCMW has until the end of June to lodge their expense reports. In 2003, some 11,399 illegal immigrants requested urgent medical care compared with 14,655 in 2004.

Couple seeks name for 15th child

Running out of ideas to name their 15th child, a Belgian couple submitted an ad in a local newspaper to get help from the public with ideas. Brigitte Dillen and Ivo Driessens, of Merksem, have given all their children names ending with ‘y’ but cannot think of another one for their latest addition, Ananova reported. The new baby will be a brother or sister for Wendy (20), Cindy (18), Jimmy (17), Brendy (16), Sonny (15), Sandy (14), Purdy (13), Chardy (9), Yorry (8), Yony (6), Britney (5), Yenty (3), Ruby (2) and Xanty (1).

Subject: Belgian news