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🇧🇪 Belgium /Crime & Justice

14-Year-Old Boy Assaulted in Belgium Over Bisexuality; Investigation Underway

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A 14-year-old boy in Turnhout, Belgium, was physically assaulted by a group of peers because of his bisexuality.
  • The attack, which included punches and kicks to the head, occurred after school hours and was captured on social media.
  • The Antwerp public prosecutor's office is investigating the incident, with the mayor expressing deep shock and calling for strict punishment.

In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through Turnhout, a 14-year-old boy was subjected to a brutal physical assault by a group of his peers solely because of his sexual orientation. The victim, from Kasterlee, was reportedly surrounded, forced to his knees, and then violently struck and kicked in the face, all while being compelled to apologize for being bisexual. Images circulating on social media depict the harrowing attack, which took place last Friday after school hours.

I am deeply shocked by the severe violence that a 14-year-old boy in our city had to endure because of his orientation. My thoughts go out first and foremost to the victim and his family.

· Hannes AnafMayor of Turnhout expressing shock and solidarity with the victim.

The Antwerp public prosecutor's office has confirmed an investigation is underway into the assault. Turnhout Mayor Hannes Anaf (Vooruit) has voiced his profound dismay, stating, "I am deeply shocked by the severe violence that a 14-year-old boy in our city had to endure because of his orientation." His thoughts are with the victim and his family, and he hopes the perpetrators will be severely punished, noting the upcoming International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for such awareness.

I hope that the perpetrator or perpetrators will be severely punished. Sunday is IDAHOT, International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. And apparently, such a day is still desperately needed.

· Hannes AnafMayor of Turnhout calling for justice and highlighting the relevance of IDAHOT.

This incident has ignited strong reactions across the political spectrum. Opposition party Vlaams Belang, through its local leader Reccino Van Lommel, condemned the event as an "absolute low point" and criticized perceived inaction by other parties regarding street safety. Vooruit party chairman Conner Rousseau also expressed outrage, linking the rising hate and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals to extremism from both the far-right and certain Muslim factions, emphasizing that "People are much more than their orientation."

I am shocked by the images in which non-native youngsters almost torture the 14-year-old because he is gay. The increasing hate and violence against gays from both the far-right and extreme Muslims makes me extremely angry. People are much more than their orientation.

· Conner RousseauVooruit party chairman reacting to the incident and broader societal issues.
About this summary

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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