The four suspects in the Valentin Vermeesch murder appeared before the Huy Council Chamber on Friday morning. The ruling on whether to keep them in custody for another month was expected on Saturday afternoon.

The ruling on whether to keep them in custody for another month was expected on Saturday afternoon. None of the lawyers for the four young suspects have requested their client be granted parole.

Three of them have been charged with murder and torture. Dorian, who reported it to the police but did not mention torture, has only been charged with murder. However, “it is obvious the charges against him will be changed to match the others”, say Counsels Mallants and Tollers, the lawyers for Loïck and Alexandre respectively.

The fifth suspect is a minor, and has been placed in an IPPJ (Institute for the protection of young people) for three months.

The five young men tortured Valentin Vermeesch, and then threw him in the Meuse with his hands handcuffed.

Jason Bennett (Source: Belga)