Brussels Prosecutor Highlights Three Major Obstacles in Fight Against Gun Violence

Brussels is grappling with persistent gun violence, prompting the King's Prosecutor, Julien Moinil, to sound the alarm about "unacceptable obstacles" hindering the justice system's efforts. The prosecutor's office faces a daunting task in combating drug trafficking and related violence, identifying three primary impasses.

One significant challenge is the management of criminal enterprises from within prisons. Moinil cited a case where a suspect in a murder investigation, allegedly orchestrated from Haren prison, had been granted regular leaves by the Ministry of Justice. This situation highlights a perceived "inoperative" prison management system, where criminal leaders continue to direct operations using mobile phones from their cells.

The prosecutor also pointed to the issue of "small hands" – individuals from precarious backgrounds, often undocumented foreigners, who are used for low-level drug trafficking. According to Moinil, many of these individuals are released despite committing illegal acts. He noted that out of 7,000 irregular migrants intercepted in Brussels in 2025, over 90% were released, exacerbating the problem.

Furthermore, Moinil criticized the government's approach to sentence enforcement. He revealed that 81 convictions were suspended by the executive due to prison overcrowding, including 29 for drug offenses and violence. The prosecutor stressed the need for credible justice, which requires sentences to be executed. He also lamented the delay in installing signal jammers in prisons, a measure requested in February 2025 to curb illicit communication.

These obstacles, coupled with a lack of space in youth care services, with 150 minors awaiting placement in closed facilities, paint a grim picture of the challenges facing Brussels in its fight against crime and violence. The prosecutor's urgent calls underscore the need for systemic reforms and more effective collaboration between judicial and governmental bodies.