Ex-soldier who threatened Belgian prime minister recently left the country
The former soldier who threatened prime minister Alexander De Croo in a video clip has recently left Belgium. This was announced on Friday by the Federal Prosecutor's Office, which has opened an investigation into threats of a terrorist attack.
On Friday morning, a video circulated on social media in which "a person appeared to fire a gun in the direction of a picture of the Belgian prime minister". Shortly afterwards, an investigation was launched against the alleged author of the video.
"He apparently made threats against the Belgian prime minister and/or government members"
The person wanted was born in 1993 and recently left the army, the Federal Prosecutor's Office said in a press release. "He apparently made threats against the Belgian prime minister and/or government members," it said.
Threat of terrorist attack
The Limburg Public Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation, but the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office took over. "An investigation into the threat of a terrorist attack is now underway," it said. "A Brussels investigating judge specialising in terrorism has been appointed to lead the investigation."
The Federal Prosecutor's Office said the house would be searched, but as a precaution, DOVO, the army's demining service, was asked to assist the police. A large perimeter has been set up around the suspect's house for security reasons.
The man, who was not known to the police, is being actively sought. According to the available information, he recently left the country. Justice minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open VLD) said the ex-soldier was known to military intelligence because of his links to criminal circles.
© KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP
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