Belgian authorities conducted several raids on Wednesday (November 3) to try to identify far-right elements in the military, according to the European edition of the US "Politics" news network. As part of a large-scale investigation of far-right forces, Belgian authorities conducted 11 searches in private homes and military barracks.
Belgian authorities conducted raids in an attempt to identify far-right elements in the army
Belgian federal prosecutors said in a press release that authorities are investigating those who constantly challenge the "bottom line of freedom of expression," "cross the line online" and may spread "with intent to incite terrorism-related crimes."
No arrests were made for the operation, but authorities confiscated mobile phones and computers.
According to Belgian media, the investigation began after the hunt for far-right Belgian soldier jürgen conings earlier this year, though there was no direct link between Wednesday's raids and the Cornings case.
Cornings, a far-right soldier, disappeared on May 17 of this year with weapons from his barracks, including a rocket launcher, machine gun and several grenades. He left messages for his wife and police, laying out his assassination plans and targeting Marc van Ranst, Belgium's best-known virologist. Van Lanster and his family were subsequently transferred to a safe house by Belgian authorities, who van Lanster said: "The threat is very real. ”
Federal prosecutors accused Cornings of attempted murder and illegal possession of weapons in the context of terrorism. With a massive police manhunt, Cornings became a hero to Belgian anti-blockade activists and right-wing extremists. Tens of thousands of people even expressed support for him online, with the "I Love Jurgen Cornings" group on social platforms gathering as many as 50,000 members before it was deleted. Fans gathered in a parade, holding banners with slogans such as "Cornings' Life is Also Fate" and "Be the First Person Behind Cornings."
After weeks of searching, police said on June 20 that the body of the "Belgian Rambo" was found in a grove of trees near the city of Dielson-Stockham, near the Dutch border, and it was determined that he had committed suicide shortly after his disappearance. (Editor: Sdy)