2023-12-14 21:12:46
On the defense benches, we rebel and denounce an indictment “who doesn’t do nuance”. For Me Bernard Dapsens, who defends the interests of Marc Duquesnoy, the man is pilloried. “Security was not his responsibility. He is an organizer, he doesn’t know how to be everywhere.” For the defense, the accident is more attributable to others, those absent from the trial: police officers who were supervising the race that day. “Mr. Duquesnoy is criticized for not having canceled the race. It is not the organizer who must decide that. It is the police. Moreover, the following week in Dottignies, a women’s race was canceled at the last minute due to a lack of flaggers. It was the commissioner who made the decision.”
And Mr. Dapsens points out inconsistencies in the statements of the police officers who took the wrong path at the disputed intersection and who might have blocked the route of lost cyclists. “There is at least some doubt regarding the personal responsibility of the organizer. Concretely, this responsibility has not been demonstrated.” The defense therefore calls for acquittal or, in the alternative, a simple declaration of guilt. “For you are here in the presence of one who is broken.”concludes the lawyer.
After a little more than 5 hours of debate, the matter was put under advisement. The judgment will be rendered on January 18.
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