On April 1, 2025, a court in Leuven found a 24-year-old gynecology student guilty of raping a fellow student on November 9, 2023. Despite the serious nature of the crime, the court granted the student a five-year suspension of sentencing, meaning he will not face any immediate punishment. This decision has sparked outrage across the community and prompted an appeal from the Leuven prosecutor's office.
The prosecutor's office believes that the court's decision to suspend the sentence is inappropriate and has announced that the case will be re-evaluated by the Brussels Court of Appeal at a later date. The prosecutor's office has called for serenity in the interest of all parties involved, emphasizing that judicial decisions can evoke strong emotions and lead to public unrest. They warned against the public targeting of any party in the case, particularly following a significant backlash on social media.
This backlash intensified after Nathan Vandergust, a popular YouTuber known as Acid, revealed the name of the convicted student in a video expressing his outrage over the court's leniency. Vandergust had previously faced legal consequences for sharing personal information about individuals involved in other legal cases, a fact the prosecutor's office reiterated as they cautioned against the potential criminal repercussions of disclosing personal details without consent.
On April 3, 2025, a protest against sexual abuse took place in Leuven, drawing hundreds of demonstrators to Herbert Hooverplein. Many attendees carried signs with slogans that referenced the judge's rationale for suspending the sentence. Messages such as "What about her talent?" and "His degree over our dignity" highlighted the sentiments of those who feel that the legal system has failed victims of sexual violence.
Tess, a 20-year-old student from UCLL, attended the protest and shared her perspective: "I don't know any female friends who haven't been assaulted. When it happens, it's very difficult to talk about it. But when someone has the courage to speak up, and then this happens (referring to the suspended sentence), this impunity has to stop. For me, this is my first time at a demonstration like this, and it's great to see so many people here."
Jonah, a 28-year-old master's student at KU Leuven, also voiced her concerns during the protest. "It's not okay for a judge to suspend a sentence because of someone's education and age. Victims need to be taken seriously; this must never happen again." The protest was organized by students Hanna De Boe and Femke Beutels, who expressed their desire to show that sexual misconduct is unacceptable. "No woman should ever be a victim of sexual violence again," De Boe stated.
The protest began at 6 PM and lasted for over an hour, featuring a reading by cartoonist Chrostin and a drum fanfare to enhance the atmosphere of solidarity and resistance. A similar protest took place in Ghent, where around 500 people gathered to support the cause.
In response to the public outcry, UZ Leuven, the university where the convicted student was enrolled, placed him on non-active status following the verdict's announcement. The Leuven court, recognizing the controversy surrounding the case, published the full verdict online on April 3, 2025, a move that is considered unusual as typically only authorized personnel can access such documents.
The court's decision to suspend the sentence was based on the judge's assessment of the student's "favorable personality," his young age, and his clean criminal record. The judge stated that finding him guilty without imposing a punishment would instill a sense of guilt in him and help prevent future offenses without disrupting his social life. This reasoning has been met with significant criticism from various segments of society.
As the case moves forward, the Leuven prosecutor's office remains firm in its stance, asserting that the suspension of sentencing is not appropriate in this instance. They intend to argue their case in the appeal and seek a more fitting punishment for the convicted student.
The public reaction to the case and the subsequent protests highlight a growing demand for justice and accountability in cases of sexual violence. Many believe that the current legal framework does not adequately protect victims or hold perpetrators accountable, a sentiment echoed by numerous speakers at the protests.
As discussions surrounding the case continue, the prosecutor's office has reiterated the importance of maintaining decorum and avoiding the public dissemination of personal information about individuals involved in legal proceedings. They stress that such actions could lead to criminal consequences under current laws.
In the wake of the protests and the ongoing legal battles, many are left wondering what changes might be necessary to ensure that victims of sexual violence receive the support and justice they deserve. The community remains vigilant, advocating for a legal system that prioritizes the rights and dignity of all individuals.
The case has not only sparked outrage but has also galvanized a movement for change, as students and community members alike rally for a future where such incidents are taken seriously and addressed with the gravity they warrant.
