In Belgium, the authorities investigate dozens of sexual assault under chemical submission – Liberation

Belgian justice is investing in rapes or sexual assaults under the effect of drugs of which at least forty women who have attended cafes and night establishments in Courtrai (northwest) were victims, announced this Thursday, March 27, the parquet of West Flanders. « There are already 41 victims identified over the period from December 2021 to December 2024, and the investigation continues to possibly identify others »said Griet de Prest, spokesperson for the prosecution.

These women were allegedly drugged without their knowledge, probably by ketamine Mixed with their drink, consuming in these establishments. The investigation conducted a suspect on Thursday, according to the same source.

This is one of the three cafes bosses considered to be the main protagonists in this file. A second manager of establishment was in turn to be presented during the day to the investigating judge in charge of the investigation. The third was released after the series of arrests occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday.
These men are suspected of « rape », « attack on sexual integrity » and « intentional administration of harmful substances that caused an inability », lists the prosecution.

Investigators suspect the cafes bosses of having communicated together on how to attack their victims. « They knew each other and exchanged their experiences »declares another spokesperson for the prosecution on Flemish public television VRT. « It is a question of alcohol shots that young women were offered, often with a taste of Amaretto, they found themselves as anesthetized and woke up the next morning in an unknown bed or in their own bed with obvious traces of sexual abuse »adds this same spokesperson, Tom Janssens.

Questioned by the deputies in the House, the Minister of the Interior Bernard Quintin denounced facts « Unacceptable ». « Women must be able to get out safely, where they want, when they want it »says this French -speaking liberal. He also deplores the absence of any « Uniform European regulations » on the marketing of ketamine. « If drugs can be easily obtained, it becomes easier to commit crimes »continues the minister. Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic used in particular by veterinarians and which is diverted for stimulating or euphoric purposes.