Belgium News

Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan has been arrested in connection with a cocaine trafficking investigation. The 36-year-old midfielder was apprehended by Belgian police during a series of raids conducted on Monday morning, which led to multiple arrests across the country. According to the Brussels prosecutor's office, the investigation is focused on the alleged importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, specifically through the port of Antwerp, with plans for redistribution within Belgium. Nainggolan's arrest occurs just six days after he came out of retirement to join Lokeren, a club in the Belgian second division, where he made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in a 1-1 draw against K. Lierse. Originally from Antwerp, Nainggolan enjoyed a successful career in Italy, playing for major clubs such as Roma and Inter Milan, and he earned 30 caps for the Belgium national team between 2009 and 2018. Further details regarding the case have yet to be disclosed to the public.

Google has launched an appeal against a record antitrust fine of 4.3 billion euros imposed by the European Union, claiming that the penalty punishes the company for its innovation. The case is being presented to the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union, following a 2023 decision by a lower tribunal that upheld the European Commission's ruling that Google used its Android operating system to stifle competition. During the hearing, Google's lawyer, Alfonso Lamadrid, argued that the European Commission failed to meet its burden of proof and erroneously penalized Google for its business practices, which he contended actually promote competition. He defended agreements made with phone manufacturers that required pre-installation of Google services, stating that these agreements did not limit competition but rather enhanced it. The EU's original findings indicated that such requirements hindered rival products, and the initial fine was reduced to 4.1 billion euros after an appeal to a lower court. The judges are expected to deliver a final ruling in the coming months, which will not be subject to appeal. This legal battle is one of several ongoing challenges for Google in the EU, particularly concerning its advertising technology.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has announced a significant recall of several beverage products, including Coke and Sprite, due to elevated levels of chlorate detected in their contents. The recall affects products distributed across Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, France, and Luxembourg since November last year. Chlorate, a contaminant that can originate from chlorine disinfectants utilized in water treatment and food processing, has raised safety concerns particularly regarding long-term exposure, especially for children. Although the company has not provided an exact quantity of affected products, it acknowledged that the recall involves a considerable amount. The majority of these products have already been removed from shelves, and the company is working to eliminate any remaining goods from the market. An analysis conducted by independent experts indicated a very low probability of health risks associated with the chlorate levels found, and to date, Coca-Cola has not received any consumer complaints related to this issue. Affected products include brands such as Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico, with specific production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE. The company has taken proactive measures to ensure compliance with health authorities in each impacted country and has issued an apology for any concerns caused by this recall.

A significant recall of popular soft drinks, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Fuze Tea, has been initiated across Europe due to potential health risks linked to high levels of chlorate, a chemical by-product from chlorine disinfectants. The recall affects products produced at a Coca-Cola factory in Ghent, Belgium, and includes beverages distributed in Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, and Luxembourg since November. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK is currently investigating the presence of products containing "higher levels" of chlorate on the market, although no official recall has been announced for the UK as of yet. Anne Gravett from the FSA indicated that the authority is examining the situation closely. Chlorate can potentially cause iodine deficiency and is commonly associated with water treatment and food processing. Coca-Cola has stated that the majority of contaminated products have already been removed from store shelves, and efforts are ongoing to eliminate all remaining affected items. Belgium’s food safety regulator has confirmed the recall, specifically targeting cans and returnable glass bottles with production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE. Consumers are advised to check product codes for safety. Although independent experts have concluded that the associated risk is "very low," Coca-Cola emphasizes the importance of safety and compliance in their operations.

Radja Nainggolan, a prominent Belgian footballer, has been arrested in connection with a cocaine trafficking investigation. The 36-year-old midfielder was apprehended by Belgian police on Monday morning following a series of coordinated raids across the country. The Brussels prosecutor's office announced that the investigation revolves around the alleged importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, specifically via the port of Antwerp, and its subsequent distribution within Belgium. Details about the investigation remain limited, and no further information has been disclosed to the public. Nainggolan's arrest comes just six days after he ended his retirement to join Lokeren, a club in the Belgian second division, where he scored in his debut match, helping his team secure a 1-1 draw against K. Lierse. Nainggolan, who was born in Antwerp, has had a significant career primarily in Italy, playing for clubs such as Roma and Inter Milan. He also represented the Belgium national team, earning 30 caps between 2009 and 2018.

A landmark decision by Belgium's court of appeal has deemed the historic kidnapping of mixed-race children during the country's colonial rule in central Africa a crime against humanity. This ruling, delivered last month, could set a precedent for reparations and broader justice measures for the victims and their families. The case was initiated by five women who were forcibly removed from their African mothers in the Belgian Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi between 1948 and 1953. Each plaintiff has been awarded €50,000 in damages. The court identified the systematic practice of taking these children, labeled as “métis,” due to their mixed heritage, as a violation that affected thousands who endured separation from their families. François Milliex, president of the Association of Métis of Belgium, expressed hope that this decision will encourage others to seek financial compensation for their past suffering. Many métis continue to grapple with loss of identity and trauma stemming from their experiences. Despite Belgium’s previous apology in 2019 and efforts to assist victims in tracing their family histories, the government has resisted calls for comprehensive financial reparations, unlike other countries that have faced similar issues. Legal experts believe that while the recent ruling is historic, the path to securing reparations may require substantial advocacy. The Belgian government has yet to finalize its response to the ruling, with discussions around potential appeals still ongoing. Meanwhile, civil society groups are pushing for recognition of the injustices faced by these victims and advocating for remembrance of this overlooked chapter in Belgium's colonial history.

A white powder discovered in a letter sent to the office of Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has been confirmed as strychnine, a highly toxic substance. The identification was made by the Brussels prosecutor's office, revealing that the incident occurred last November. An aide in De Croo's office was hospitalized after opening the letter and sustaining injuries to their hands. The letter was received on November 22, just days after similar packages were sent to the office of Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden and the state security service's headquarters. While one individual was placed under quarantine as a precaution, no further injuries were reported. Strychnine is commonly used as rat poison and can cause severe health issues in humans, including muscle spasms and cardiac arrest. The alarming news follows recent incidents involving threats to politicians across Europe, raising concerns about rising violence against elected officials. Prime Minister De Croo expressed relief that no serious injuries occurred, but conveyed that the incidents have deeply affected his office. "This cannot be the new normal," stated his spokesperson, emphasizing the necessity of strict protocols following the event. The situation mirrors a troubling trend in Europe, where instances of violence and threats against politicians have been increasing, prompting worries about the impact on democratic participation.