Mayor Guy D’Haeseleer also receives an invitation for interrogation in research into election fraud in Ninove (Ninove)
© CVM
The mayor of Ninove, Guy D’haeseleer, has also been invited to an interrogation in the context of the investigation into possible election fraud in Ninove. The public prosecutor confirms that on Wednesday. It is an invitation to make a statement, it was heard from a good source. D’Haeseleer is therefore not interrogated as a suspect.
Earlier in the day, his lawyer Piet Noë stated that he « has no indications that Guy D’Haeseleer would be invited to interrogation ». According to the counsel, « lets his medical situation do not allow that at the moment ». D’Haeseleer denied Tuesday that there would be fraud by himself or his party members. « I maintain that no powers of attorney have been recruited and no powers of attorney have been falsified or copied, » it was said.
The East Flemish public prosecutor’s office was informed on election day 13 October 2024 of possible election fraud in the municipal elections in Ninove and it started a investigation. The research revolves around the use of powers of attorney and possibly forged medical certificates. The public prosecutor seized all the attorney used in the municipal elections in Ninove.
Eight suspects were arrested on Tuesday, all linked to Forza Ninove. Six suspects were released on Tuesday evening after interrogation. The other two suspects, Malika Sclacmender, ships of animal welfare, youth and sport in Ninove and the plus daughter of Mayor Guy D’Haeseleer, and Dany Goessens, ships of digitization, mobility, parking policy and traffic, were released on Wednesday afternoon.
« However, this does not mean that any future criminal prosecution could no longer be established, » said the public prosecutor. According to the public prosecutor, the interrogations revealed new elements. « Based on this, the investigation will be continued in the coming period. The possible criminal responsibility of all involved will be further investigated. »
The public prosecutor does not provide any details about the statements of the suspects. The main suspects and several other suspects keep their innocence standing, as their defense was heard.
© Belga
