The City of Ghent has been found guilty of unintentional manslaughter following the deaths of five-year-old Matvii and a German tourist during Storm Ciarán. A judge ruled that the city’s flawed tree and park management policies were directly linked to the fatalities, according to reports from VRT and Nieuwsblad.
Why was the city found liable for the deaths?
The court’s decision centers on the city’s management of its urban environment. According to VRT and GVA, the judge found the city guilty due to a “flawed park policy.”
The sentencing was described by Nieuwsblad as strict. The court stated that the city’s “flawed policy” was connected to the events that occurred during the storm. A judge also noted that the deaths might not have happened if a proper tree policy had been in place.
Who were the victims of the storm?
The legal proceedings addressed two specific casualties during Storm Ciarán. HLN reports that the victims were a five-year-old boy named Matvii and a German tourist.
While outlets like HLN and Nieuwsblad characterize the charge as unintentional manslaughter, GVA and VRT report the conviction as unintentional killing (onopzettelijke doding).
What happens next for the City of Ghent?
The City of Ghent is expected to challenge the court’s decision. According to Nieuwsblad and HLN, the city is appealing the verdict and has cited “flawed policy” in its response.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the City of Ghent found guilty of?
The city was found guilty of unintentional manslaughter or unintentional killing following deaths during Storm Ciarán. - What was the reason for the verdict?
The court determined that a flawed tree and park policy was linked to the deaths of the victims. - Is the city accepting the ruling?
No, the City of Ghent is appealing the decision.
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