Brussels' chief prosecutor slams political inaction over drug gang violence

Brussels' chief prosecutor condemned political inaction over gun violence linked to drug gangs on Tuesday, following a spate of shootings this summer that left two people dead and eight others injured

There have been 57 shootings in the Belgian capital so far this year, including 20 since the start of the summer, Brussels Public Prosecutor Julien Moinil said at a press conference.

"It's time for us to wake up and clean up these drug-filled neighbourhoods," said Moinil, who is reportedly under police protection due to threats from drug traffickers.

Moinil said that more resources were needed to better combat drug trafficking and related violence, and blamed politicians for not addressing the issue.

"As police and public prosecutors, we are working very hard to tackle this issue effectively," he said. "However, several factors are holding us back in our work."

While the prosecutor's office has been bolstered with additional magistrates, Brussels federal judicial police continue to struggle with a major shortage of staff, Moinil said.

Moinil also demanded a robust health policy to address drug abuse in the city and said security in prisons must be improved so that drug dealers cannot simply keep conducting their illicit business from behind bars with mobile phones.

"Are we going to wait until innocent civilians are killed before we get the necessary resources?" he asked.

The Brussels region has been without a government for over a year, with stalemate persisting since regional elections in June 2024 failed to result in a coalition being formed.

The Belgian capital has been rocked by shootings linked to drug gangs in recent years, with dozens of criminal networks believed to be operating in the city.

The port in Antwerp — 55 kilometres north of Brussels — is a hub for European imports of cocaine and has been hit by grenade explosions linked to gangland fighting.

The violence this summer in Brussels has overtaken the first month-and-a-half of the year, when two people were killed and four others injured in a spell of 11 shootings.

Belgium's government, led by Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever since February, has said he wants the police zones to be merged to better combat violence in the city.

Citizens' groups have increasingly complained about lawlessness in several Brussels neighbourhoods at night and have demanded a greater police presence.

Around 92 shooting incidents were reported in Brussels last year, killing nine people and injuring 48, according to police data.