He is also accused of several thefts, beatings and torture. The 50-year-old, who will be tried by the Ghent Court of Appeal, denies the facts.
The individual met his second wife in 2017 on Facebook, they got married in August 2019. They chose Bali as the destination for their engagement trip in August that year.
On August 12, the day before their return to Belgium, the man pushed his wife into the ocean from a cliff. Although seriously injured in the head and legs, the victim managed to swim to shore.
The 50-year-old denied having voluntarily pushed his wife, but he was sentenced to an effective prison sentence of 18 years and an additional 10 years of detention at the disposal of the court for the application of sentences.
The accused appealed for judgment, denying having undertaken the fatal act. According to his version, he also lost consciousness and jumped into the water to find his wife.
The prosecution requested 20 years in prison and 10 years of release. Judging will take place on February 21.