In times of coronavirus, spitting on a police officer is considered an “attack with dangerous substances” in Belgium, and can lead to a direct prison sentence, as has been the case in Antwerp seven times in a single week.
Belgium has decided to crack down on this type of behavior, several judicial sources told AFP on Monday.
“The act of intentionally spitting or coughing at someone by an individual claiming to be carrying the virus could result in up to two years of imprisonment,” explained Christian De Valkeneer, prosecutor of Liège.
This can be considered as rebellion against the police and is now even categorised as “a threat or attack with dangerous substances”.
On Monday, a 19-year-old young man was placed in pre-trial detention by an Antwerp judge. He vigorously opposed his arrest Sunday evening in a park in Mortsel, near Antwerp, when he was suspected of not respecting the ban on assembling in groups.
As soon as he was handcuffed he spat in the direction of the officers.
