Suspected Suppliers of Brussels Attack Weapons to Face Court of Assizes

Two individuals suspected of supplying the firearms used in a deadly terrorist attack in Brussels last year are to be tried before a court of assizes. The attack, which occurred on October 16, 2023, shortly before a Belgium-Sweden football match, saw Abdessalem Lassoued open fire on Swedish supporters. Two fans and a taxi driver were killed, and a third fan was seriously injured. Lassoued himself was killed by police the following day, and the Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

The federal prosecutor's investigation identified several suspects. Two were arrested in the Netherlands and Spain, believed to have provided the murder weapon. The Brussels Court of Cassation referred both men for trial at the court of assizes in late April. "The charges against the two men differ," stated the federal prosecutor. "One is referred for murders and attempted murders committed in a terrorist context, as well as for participation in the activities of a terrorist group. The second accused is referred for murders and attempted murders committed in a terrorist context."

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The charges against the two men differ. The one is referred for murders and attempted murders committed in a terrorist context, as well as for participation in the activities of a terrorist group. The second accused is referred for murders and attempted murders committed in a terrorist context.

In contrast, three other suspects will not face the court of assizes, as the court found insufficient evidence to prosecute them for terrorism. They will, however, stand trial in a correctional court for the possession and attempted sale of alarm pistols that had been converted into semi-automatic firearms.

The attack also triggered political repercussions. Lassoued should not have been in Belgium at the time of the incident. Tunisia had requested his extradition in the summer of 2022, but the case languished with a magistrate at the Brussels prosecutor's office. Then-Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne called it "a major mistake" and resigned. The High Council of Justice later pointed to internal shortcomings, a lack of control culture, and chronic workload issues at the Brussels prosecutor's office.

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a major mistake