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Belgium: Attack on left-wing group linked to Vlaams Blok

01 March 1997

An attack on the Antwerp offices of the Partij van de Arbeid (PvdA, a left-wing organisation who are active within the Belgian anti-racist/fascist movement) has been linked to the far-right Vlaams Blok (VB). Witnesses claim to have recognised Rob Verreyken, son of the VB senator Wim Verreyken, among the assailants.

The attack was targeted on a meeting of the PvdA's student wing. Those attending the meeting stated that a group of people who from their manner and dress appeared to fascists rang the front door bell. When the students present refused to open the door the assailants continuously rang the door bell and banging on windows. It was at this time that a smoke-bomb was detonated, overcoming those present with thick yellow smoke. The fire brigade later identified the smoke bomb as containing highly toxic gas.

Wim Verreycken has been associated with previous attacks on the PvdA. He was initially found guilty of attacking leading PvdA member Kris Merckx, as well being convicted of attacks on two other PvdA members between October 1991 and October 1992. However, both these convictions were overturned on appeal. More recently Verreyken, who has since qualified as a lawyer, was involved in the defence campaign of the revisionist historian Siegfried Verbeke. The PvdA has laid charges against Verreyken with the Antwerp police.

Solidair, 2.4.97.