Namur resident tried in court for street sexual harassment
A Namur resident appeared before the criminal court for two acts of street harassment. The first targeted a police officer on a prevention mission, the second a young woman followed and harassed in 2024. The prosecution sought eight months in prison.
Namur resident tried in court for street sexual harassment
A Namur resident appeared on Thursday before the criminal court for two episodes of street harassment. The first incident dates back to 7 June 2022, when the man approached a woman on the streets of the city, saying to her: "Hey Miss, you're beautiful." He then followed his interlocutor, who did not respond. The latter was in fact a police officer participating in a public awareness campaign against sexual harassment, accompanied by two colleagues who witnessed the incident.
The second act in question dates from May 2024. The accused then approached a young woman, claiming to know her mother. According to the prosecution's submissions, he followed her to a shop, had her buy him drinks, grabbed her by the hand and waist, then turned up at her home the next day shouting and drinking. The woman in question was also said to have been told that he sometimes spied on her.
Maître Leboutte, counsel for the defence, pleaded for acquittal by emphasising the brevity of the first incident and challenging the seriousness required to characterise harassment. Maître Pretto, counsel for one of the victims, on the other hand emphasised the intimidating nature of these behaviours.
The Namur prosecution sought a sentence of eight months' imprisonment. Judgment will be delivered on 31 August.
Source: DH Les Sports+
Source: DHnet