(dawatmedia24.com): Belgian police have arrested a 47-year-old Afghan national accused of killing his former wife and two men in a series of brutal stabbings in Roeselare, West Flanders. The attacks, which unfolded on Sunday, occurred just days after the suspect had been convicted of domestic violence and sentenced to one year in prison.
Authorities confirmed that the victims included a 43-year-old woman, identified as the suspect’s ex-wife, as well as two men aged 45 and 67. The killings, carried out at separate locations over several hours, have shaken the local community and reignited debate over Belgium’s justice system and its handling of repeat offenders.
According to investigators, the violent rampage began when the suspect fatally attacked a 45-year-old acquaintance of the family. He then targeted his ex-wife at another site, before later stabbing a 67-year-old man to death the same evening. Police said the three victims had no direct connection to each other beyond their ties to the suspect.
Officers were first alerted shortly after midday, when an emergency call reported an incident of domestic violence. By the time police reached the scene, two victims had already been killed. A large-scale manhunt was launched, and the suspect was eventually apprehended near a local train station not far from the crime scenes.
Prosecutors revealed that the man had been convicted just one week earlier of domestic violence against his former spouse and sentenced to 12 months in prison. However, he was released soon after the ruling under conditions that have not yet been made public.
The case has sparked outrage in Belgium, with politicians, legal experts, and rights groups questioning how a man with a known history of violence could be left free to reoffend so quickly. Critics argue that the tragedy highlights systemic weaknesses in the monitoring of domestic violence offenders and insufficient safeguards for potential victims.
“This incident exposes serious gaps in how our justice system deals with violent offenders, particularly in cases of domestic abuse,” one legal analyst told local media. “It raises urgent questions about sentencing policies, early release decisions, and victim protection.”
Women’s rights organizations have also called for immediate reforms, demanding stricter enforcement of protective measures, better coordination between courts and police, and more comprehensive support systems for those at risk of domestic violence.
As the investigation continues, prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges, including premeditated murder. The suspect remains in custody, and authorities are expected to release further details in the coming days.
Support Dawat Media Center
If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668
Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668
Vipps: #557320
Support Dawat Media Center
If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668
Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668
Vipps: #557320
Comments are closed.