Affairs in police court West and East Flanders Week delayed: another action of justice against reform plans (Ypres)
The public prosecutor’s office of West and East Flanders and the Ghent Labor Auditorate take actions against the shortage of resources and the erosion of the functioning of the judiciary, including the imminent reforms. From Monday 5 May, the Public Prosecution Service will ask for one week at the hearing of the police court to postpone the handling of the files until after the judicial leave.
Lack of respect
« The Public Prosecution Service understands the difficult budgetary situation and is willing to contribute to the efforts that are expected of society, but the present plans appear to be disproportionate, » say West-Flemish Procurer of the Konings Filiep Jodts, his East-Flemish counterpart Geert Mechiers and Ghent’s Ghent’s report.
« There was no prior consultation and for us this points to a total lack of respect for the judiciary as the third power. The many years of systematic under -financing of the judiciary ensures that we are no longer able to guarantee a good service to citizens and to watch over a safe society. This is very concerned. »
Exceptions
The general rule that the Public Prosecution Service will request a postponement are a few exceptions in which the Public Prosecution Service will still claim. These include cases in which one or more people have been arrested, cases with fatal accidents, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distraction behind the wheel, heavy speeding, sessions in which a judgment is pronounced and things that the responsible magistrate thinks should nevertheless be treated for reasons. « Partners who can be inconvenienced will be informed in time. »
Different promotions
“This action fits within what was decided on April 15, 2025 by the Public Prosecution Service College with all the chiefs of police and principal secretaries. The Public Prosecution Service will no longer provide an elements in the context of parliamentary questions. The Public Prosecution Service reserves the right not to consequently comply with certain questions or public prosecutor. Following the prison sentences at the request of the Minister of Justice because it belongs to our core assignment to implement outspoken penalties. Moreover, it was decided that the presence of the Public Prosecution Service could no longer be guaranteed from 28 April. «
Structural neglect
The Public Prosecution Service is concerned about the reforms currently on the table. “These reforms not only mean a breach of trust, but also entail the risk that experienced lawyers or specialized lawyers are discouraged from making the switch to the magistrate, while the shortage of magistrates and justice personnel is already dire. This means that the safety in our society comes into its compromised. The judicial, in addition to a lack of work and a shortage of the work can be dulled any longer. These reforms again a sign of little respect for the judiciary. It is exceptional that the Public Prosecution Service takes action, but it is time for a signal. «
« We feel compelled to take a position, also as a support for our magistrates and the court staff. We ask for the inconvenience that these actions entail, both among citizens and at the legal profession, » concludes the joint press release.
