Belgian news in brief, 27 April 2006

AEL accused of forming private militia

The Antwerp public prosecution office wants to put 11 members of the Arab European League (AEL) on trial on charges of forming a private militia, disturbing the peace, hindering traffic, resisting police and assault. Antwerp Court deliberated over the charges on Thursday and will hand down a ruling on 1 June whether the suspects will be brought to trial. One of the suspects is the AEL leader, Dyab Abou Jahjah. The charges relate back to riots after the murder of Mohammed Achrak, 27, on 26 November 2002. He was shot dead by his 66-year-old neighbour who had serious psychological problems.

Panic in Charleroi apartment fire

A fire broke out in a Charleroi apartment complex on Thursday morning. Panic erupted among residents and at least eight people were overcome by smoke. Some residents wanted to jump from the window to escape, but the fire brigade rescued them in time. All victims were admitted to hospital and three are in a serious condition. The fire started at 6am in the kitchen of an apartment on the first floor. The fire was quickly brought under control.

Smokers face EUR 25 fine for littering

The Antwerp suburb of Mortsel will become the first city council in Belgium to impose fines on smokers caught dropping their cigarette butts on the street. The fine will be EUR 25. The new measure comes in response to increasing complaints about street rubbish. The new fine will be imposed on all forms of littering and 20 council workers will be deployed to enforce the rules.

Subject: Belgian news