In a harrowing case that has captured the attention of Belgium, the mother and ex-boyfriend of nine-year-old Raul, who died in 2023 under tragic circumstances, have been referred to the court of assizes for charges of torture resulting in death. The decision was made by the Ghent chamber of indictment on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, following a thorough investigation into the boy's death.
Raul's body was discovered on April 13, 2023, in the Houtdok area of Ghent, hidden inside a sports bag weighted down with stones. The bag was said to have been dumped in the water at the end of January 2023, but the grim details of his death only emerged after family members from abroad raised the alarm when they could not reach him.
The investigation revealed that Raul had suffered horrific abuse at the hands of his mother and her then-boyfriend. Disturbingly, it was also discovered that Raul's younger sister was involved in the events leading up to his death. After enduring severe torture and deprivation, Raul was ultimately placed in the sports bag and thrown into the water.
It wasn’t until Raul’s school alerted authorities that a search was initiated, but tragically, by then, it was too late. His body was recovered two months later, leading to a series of arrests and legal proceedings.
Raul's mother initially denied any involvement in her son's death, blaming her ex-boyfriend entirely. However, as investigations progressed, her daughter testified that both the mother and the ex-boyfriend were present when Raul's body was discarded.
The ex-boyfriend, who had fled to the Netherlands, was arrested in April 2024 and subsequently extradited to Belgium. Both he and Raul's mother claimed that the minor sister had inflicted injuries on Raul, which led to the tragic outcome. The sister was also questioned and placed in a youth institution following the revelations.
Despite the shocking nature of the case, the autopsy performed on Raul's body did not provide clear answers regarding the exact cause of death. During interrogations, the mother mentioned that her daughter had struck Raul with a thermos, but insisted that this was not the fatal blow. The ex-boyfriend reportedly corroborated her statement while continuing to deny his own involvement.
Following the investigation, the public prosecutor's office requested that both the mother and her ex-boyfriend be charged with torture resulting in death, emphasizing that there was no intent to kill. This legal distinction is crucial, as it could influence the severity of the sentences they face, which could be as much as 30 years in prison.
Anthony Mallego, the lawyer representing Raul's mother, stated that she is prepared to take responsibility during the upcoming trial. "My client has expressed remorse and acknowledges at least a moral responsibility. We have not contested the classification of torture; the appropriate forum for that discussion is at the court of assizes, where all parties can present their versions of the facts," he said.
The Ghent chamber of indictment confirmed the district court's decision to refer the case to the assizes, where the full dossier will be reviewed. There is no set date for the trial yet, but it is anticipated that it could take place by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
The case has sparked outrage and concern within the community, highlighting serious issues related to child welfare and protection. Many are calling for stricter measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The tragic story of Raul serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in similar situations.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus will remain on seeking justice for Raul and ensuring that those responsible for his suffering are held accountable. The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, raising important questions about the systems in place to protect children and the societal responsibilities we all share.
