Vilvoorde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – One minor has been placed in juvenile detention, while two others were released under conditions after Friday’s incident near Vilvoorde station, officials say.
A fourth youngster has been turned over to the public prosecutor’s office in Brussels.
Four adult suspects, including the 24-year-old biker whose detention on Thursday night following a run-in with the police had triggered the disturbances, had already been placed under arrest warrant.
On Thursday night, the biker and a patrol from the local Vilvoorde-Machelen police collided. He had allegedly been observed driving dangerously, disobeying traffic laws, and regularly confronting the police in recent weeks, according to the Belgium police. The cops tried to stop the young man when they saw him again on Thursday night. As a result, it collided with a curb and the police van.
After receiving treatment at the hospital for minor injuries sustained in the accident, the young guy was referred to the public prosecutor’s office.
Despite the release of the twenty-year-old, rioting broke out on Friday night close to Vilvoorde station. Building windows were broken, bus shelters were trashed, and numerous police cars and other vehicles were damaged. Four police officers were slightly hurt. Nine individuals—four adolescents and five adults—were robbed of their freedom. The 24-year-old biker was also taken into custody by the police later on Saturday afternoon.
The six adults showed up before the investigating judge, who discharged two of them and issued an arrest warrant for the other four, including the biker.
The Brussels public prosecutor’s office was given custody of one minor suspect who resided in Brussels. The Halle-Vilvoorde public prosecutor’s office summoned the three other kids before the juvenile court judge.
What legal procedures are followed for minors suspected of violent disturbances in Vilvoorde?
Minors can be taken into custody and presented before a juvenile court or investigating judge, who evaluates whether pre-trial detention is justified considering the minor’s age, personal circumstances, and the seriousness of the alleged offenses. Detention is used only if necessary and proportionate to protect the minor or society.
In the Vilvoorde case, one minor was placed in a closed juvenile detention center, while others were released with specific conditions, reflecting individualized judicial decisions based on risk and welfare.
The juvenile court ensures that minors are heard in child-appropriate settings and that their rights to legal representation, privacy, and appropriate care are upheld.
Court proceedings may involve specialized personnel (psychologists, social workers) to support the child and mitigate trauma.
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