The magistrate of Bruges placed on Sunday, Peter C., 46, under arrest warrant for the count of attempted terrorist assassination within the framework of the investigation opened into the possible attempted attack during the election of miss Belgium on Saturday evening in La Panne, indicates the federal prosecutor’s office in a press release.
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Peter C., however, denies having wanted to commit an attack, says his lawyer Walter Van Steenbrugge.
According to the defence, there is absolutely no question of a foiled attack. “Nothing! Nothing! Nothing indicates that my client had the slightest intention of committing an offence, let alone a terrorist attack”, reacts Me Van Steenbrugge. Peter C. claims to have brought these licensed weapons to De Panne for his own safety. “He suspected, through his professional activity, that something could happen to him. He just wanted to attend the event with the woman who was arrested with him.”
Me Van Steenbrugge finally points out that his client has a clean criminal record. There is also no question of any connection with terrorism or psychological background. As part of the investigation, this psychological state may be investigated further.
Peter C. will appear before the Bruges council chamber on Friday morning. The investigating judge has not yet made a decision on the possible arrest warrant of the Dutch woman who accompanied him.