BRUSSELS – Michel Nihoul, the Belgian businessman linked to the Dutroux murders, will begin his five year jail sentence next week, it has been confirmed.

Nihoul was acquitted in June of involvement in the rapes and murders committed by infamous child killer Marc Dutroux but was found guilty of drug smuggling and people trafficking.

But on Friday, the Liege Public Prosecutor confirmed Nihoul would have to go to prison “in the next few days” although the date was not specified.

It is not yet known which prison he will serve his sentence in.

Nihoul has appealed his sentence, although not yet before the Supreme Court, and the public prosecutor has already given his opinion.

The appeal is now being examined at the justice ministry before being passed on to the Minister of Justice.

The minister must give his decision within two to three weeks.

Child killer Marc Dutroux in June was sentenced to life for a string of murders and rapes of young girls in a case that sent shock waves round the country.

Dutroux’s ex-wife Michelle Martin was sentenced to 30 years in jail.

[Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject: Belgian news