Today, Belgium observed the 6th anniversary of the Islamist terror attacks that struck Brussels. In the below article in the Dutch-language alternative news site, Pal Nws, Wannes Neukermans says that not much has changed in the Brussels neighborhood of Molenbeek, where some of the terrorists lived. Nor have the victims yet received the compensation they were supposed to receive from the government.
The below article is translated by Fousesquawk.
Six years after attacks in Brussels: Molenbeek is still a "hellhole", victims still awaiting compensation
Caption below photo: Emergency services on Wetstraat at the Maalbeek metro station right after the attack.
The attacks at Zavendam Airport and the Maalbeek metro station were exactly 6 years ago today. In total, there were 32 fatalities and more than 300 people injured. The perpetrators were returned (mostly Belgian) Syria-fighters, who, in the name of the Islamic State, blew themselves up. In the Molenbeek community, a ceremony was held to commemorate the victims.
Molenbeek's mayor, Catherine Moureaux (PS) was also present at the ceremony. "The tribute we pay today to the victims of this barbaric attack is a testament of our will to celebrate life," said Moureaux. "To achieve that, we must, more than ever, avoid the segregation and ghettoization that lay behind the drama that played out." Several perpetrators grew up in Molenbeek, where they fell prey to radicalization. And what happened? Six years after, little has changed, and the Brussels community is still teeming with Muslim extremists.
It seems the promises to drive out radicalism from Molenbeek have not been kept. The situation is so serious that non-Muslims completely avoid the worst areas. Molenbeek is often called by the nickname, "Brussels Caliphate", (and) people even speak of "the ideal Islamist ecosystem".
Failed to do homework
The federal government issued a document last week that was supposed to show to what extent the recommendations from the investigative commission into the attacks have been followed. The N-VA Parliamentary faction first requested that document a year and a half ago. "To our great regret, we have to conclude that this government has not done its homework," reacted faction leader Peter de Roover. "They have lost sight of the fight against terrorism."
The Michel 1 government took an initial series of anti-terror measures. "But unfortunately, the drive within the federal government disapp[eared some time ago, by which, a lot of necessary recommendations were left behind," according to the N-VA. So it is still unclear what the status of the Crossroad Security Bank is, one of the spearheads of the POC, which would make information sharing easier. In addition, after six years, there is still no victim fund set up for compensation.
Still no relief for victims
Federal Parliament Member Koen Metsu (N-VA) also finds it unacceptable how the federal government treats the victims of Islamist attacks. "Victims are still not getting relief. They still have to look for help and support," he explains. "They are sent from here to there. Maybe it would be better if the government would take the millions of euros for the repatriation of ISIS supporters and (give it) to the victims."
The Vlaams Belang (party) has also denounced the government on this issue. "People who live often abroad receive lower compensation than what was agreed to, and some victims receive no compensation at all. Some were often not aware or insufficiently aware of their rights and were intimidated by some insurance experts," Parliament member Barbara Pas complains.
Meanwhile, there is a bill on the table to compensate terror victims the full 100%, even if they are not insured. "Much too little and much too late," Pas thinks. Victims of ISIS attacks meanwhile are still waiting for financial compensation.
Wannes Neukermans
Wannes Neukermans (1999) is a student journalist in political science. His main interests are in domestic and European politics.
Caption beneath photo: VB Parliamentarians Dominiek Sneppe, Ortwin Depoortere, and Bob Branbandere at a wreath-laying (March 22, 2022)
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