While Europe recommends carrying out an autopsy in 10% of death cases, Belgium oscillates between 1 and 2%, they denounce as well. Forensic pathologists working for justice are overwhelmed by unpaid debts and paperwork, and are sounding the alarm bells. According to them, with 20 million euros a year, we would drop the number of ignored homicides. This while in Belgium, still according to forensic scientists, around 15% of deaths declared natural are not.
“We, experts in criminal matters, are the forgotten, the despised”, deplores Doctor Philippe Boxho, director of the forensic institute of the University of Liège. “Political leaders don’t care! The perfect crime only exists in Belgium by default of the public authorities.”
However, discussions are said to be underway with the office of Minister Van Quickenborne (Open VLD) to try to finally stop making Belgium one of the places where there are still so many perfect crimes.
