Belgian driver sentenced to 27 years for killing 7 at carnival

A Belgian court has sentenced Paolo Falzone to 27 years in prison for the tragic 2022 carnival attack that killed seven people and injured dozens more. The court found Falzone guilty of seven counts of murder and 79 attempted murders.

Falzone drove his BMW into a crowd participating in the traditional "ramassage des Gilles" in Strépy-Bracquegnies, a town in the municipality of La Louvière. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of March 20, 2022, as 150 to 200 people gathered for the carnival procession.

Witnesses described the scene as one of panic and chaos, with bodies thrown and injured people lying on the ground. The prosecution highlighted the extreme speed at which Falzone was driving, 174 kilometers per hour in a 50-kilometer-per-hour zone, and argued the car was used as a weapon against defenseless individuals. Falzone's accomplice received a two-year suspended sentence for failing to provide aid, meaning he will not serve time unless he commits another offense within three years.

During the trial, Falzone stated, "I am aware that I drove like a madman, like an irresponsible person, that I never wanted to cause deaths. It is also very difficult for me to express myself, and I apologize to the victims." The court deemed his actions showed absolute disregard for human life, warranting a severe penalty.

“

I am aware that I drove like a madman, like an irresponsible person, that I never wanted to cause deaths. It is also very difficult for me to express myself, and I apologize to the victims.