In a case that has held the Brussels judicial world in suspense for some time, the jury of the capital's Court of Assizes found three men guilty of the torture of Otmane Souieh in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. This verdict, which followed extensive deliberations, confirms the horrific nature of the facts, although the court ruled that the defendants did not intend to kill the victim. This important detail will undoubtedly weigh heavily in the determination of the final sentence.
What is happening
The conviction of the three men marks a crucial moment in the Otmane Souieh case. The trial at the Brussels Court of Assizes involved thorough investigation and testimonies, with the jury tasked with weighing the facts and assessing the perpetrators' intent. Although the torture was found to be proven, the severity of the charge was somewhat mitigated by the absence of intent to kill. This distinction is of great importance in Belgian criminal law and can significantly impact the final sentence. The exact nature of the torture was extensively discussed during the trial, leading to this conviction.
The role of the Court of Assizes
The Court of Assizes, composed of a jury of citizens and professional judges, is competent in Belgium for the most serious crimes, including torture and murder. The procedure is designed to allow a thorough assessment of the facts, where both the prosecution and the defense can present their arguments. The jury's task is to render a conscientious verdict based on all presented evidence. This provides an important check on the rule of law and the protection of the rights of both victims and defendants.
Background
The case against the three defendants concerning the torture of Otmane Souieh has had a long trajectory within the Belgian justice system. Torture, defined as the deliberate infliction of severe physical or psychological pain or suffering, is a crime that deeply infringes upon human dignity. Belgium, as a signatory to international treaties such as the UN Convention Against Torture, is committed to a strict combat against such practices. The case is a reminder of the dark side of urban crime and the constant vigilance required from police and justice in cities like Brussels.
Media attention surrounding this case, including reports from Bruzz, has contributed to public awareness about the gravity of the facts. Such trials are not only important for those directly involved but also for society's trust in the judicial system.
The jury of the Brussels Court of Assizes found three men guilty of the torture of Otmane Souieh on the night from Tuesday to Wednesday. (Bruzz, June 24, 2026)
What it means for Belgium
The conviction in the Otmane Souieh case underscores the unwavering approach of the Belgian judiciary towards serious acts of violence. The message is clear: such acts will not be tolerated and will be punished with the full force of the law. This contributes to the sense of justice and safety in Belgium, and specifically in the Brussels-Capital Region. This verdict is expected to set a precedent and serve as a reference for future torture cases brought before the Courts of Assizes in cities such as Ghent and Antwerp. The Federal Government and local police forces remain committed to fighting serious crime and maintaining public order.
This case also sheds light on the complexities of Belgian criminal law, where nuances of intent play a crucial role in the qualification of crimes and the determination of sentences. The importance of a meticulous process and an independent jury cannot be underestimated. In the coming months, the sentence will be determined, which will provide a further indication of the seriousness with which Belgian justice treats such crimes. The outcome will certainly be followed by human rights organizations and legal experts across Belgium, from Liège to Ostend, and will further fuel the ongoing discussion about crime and criminal law in the country.