| But the head cheeses are still in trouble... |
Antwerp Court ordered Arab European League (AEL) leaders Dyab Abou Jahjah, Ahmed Azzuz and Youssef Rahimi to stand trial on Thursday for their role in the Borgerhout riots after the murder of Mohamed Achrak in 2002. The public prosecution had also wanted to place the three suspects on trial on charges they operated as a private militia keeping tabs on police during the same period. But the defence lawyer for the three suspects, Kris Luyckx, said charges were dismissed during a hearing in chambers.The 27-year-old Achrak was shot and killed on 26 November 2002 by his 66-year-old neighbour who was suffering from severe psychiatric problems. Hundreds of immigrants rioted on the streets of Borgerhout that night, smashing car and shop windows and clashing with police. Unrest continued for several days and more than 100 rioters were arrested.
The public prosecution said Abou Jahjah, Azzuz, Rahimi and eight members of the AEL incited the riots. But Antwerp Court only ordered the three leaders to face trial on Thursday. The three men will face charges of obstructing traffic, insubordination to police, destruction of 20 vehicles and numerous shop windows, assaulting police officers, threats and defamation.