Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Former mining figurehead Michel Dylst has filed an appeal with the Court of Cassation following a stricter conviction, his lawyer confirmed on Thursday.
In June, the Antwerp Court of Appeal condemned Dylst to four years in jail, with half of that time suspended, and a fine.
Dylst was given a four-year prison sentence, half of which was suspended, and a €80,000 fine by the Antwerp Court of Appeal in Belgium last month. Compared to his first occurrence, this one was more severe. He was convicted of forgery and embezzlement of €2.3 million.
Dylst is now appealing that conviction to the Court of Cassation.
“I can confirm that we will file an appeal, but I will not comment further,”
said his lawyer, Hugo Vandenberghe.
Dylst was found guilty of embezzling funds from KS De Vriendenkring, a non-profit organization, where he had served as its chairman. This funding was taken from a 2020 support fund.
What specific grounds is Dylst using in his appeal process?
Michel Dylst’s appeal is likely based on claims of errors of fact and/or errors of law made by the Antwerp Court of Appeal in his conviction and sentencing. Under the applicable appeal process, typical grounds include arguing that the trial court misinterpreted legal provisions or failed to properly apply relevant legal principles (errors of law), or that findings of fact were not supported by the evidence presented (errors of fact).
The appellate court reexamines both the factual evidence and legal rulings from the lower court to determine if the conviction or sentence was just.
The appeal essentially reopens the entire case for review, allowing for reconsideration of the facts and legal interpretation involved.
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