Six Belgian soldiers receive prison sentences for violent brawl in Norway
A Norwegian court has sentenced six Belgian soldiers to prison terms of 21 to 60 days for their involvement in a violent altercation in the Norwegian town of Åndalsnes. They can still appeal the verdict. Two soldiers were acquitted.
Eight Belgian soldiers of the 2nd Battalion Commando from Flawinne, near Namur, were earlier this year involved in a violent brawl near a pub in Norway on the night of Saturday 17 February to Sunday 18 February. The soldiers were staying in Åndalsnes for a winter training exercise.
The public prosecutor's office had demanded a prison sentence of 60 days for three soldiers and 21, 24 or 30 days in prison for the others. The court has now sentenced six soldiers: two to 60 days in prison, two to 30 days and two to 21 days. In some cases, damages must also be paid. Both the soldiers and the public prosecutor's office can still appeal the verdict.
The fight took place outside a pub in Åndalsnes, with eyewitnesses describing a chaotic scene after closing time. According to the owner of the pub, the situation escalated into a confrontation involving around 20 to 30 people. Four people were injured, at least one local resident even had to be taken to hospital. The soldiers have always maintained that they were acting in self-defence.
Belgian soldier wears new operational clothing system, presented in 2022 © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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