Belgium's Justice Minister is currently facing significant backlash following the emergence of video footage depicting attendees at his birthday celebration urinating on a

police car. While the minister had previously asserted his ignorance of the incident, fresh details reported by VRT NWS on Monday have cast doubt on his claims.

During a gathering held in honor of Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne's 50th birthday on August 14th, certain partygoers were captured on camera urinating on an unoccupied police vehicle. The car had been parked outside the minister's residence due to his ongoing police protection, prompted by multiple threats from the drug underworld.

The incident first came to public attention on Wednesday, but the criticism from various politicians intensified after VRT NWS disclosed additional information on Monday. Some are now questioning whether Van Quickenborne can continue in his role.

According to VRT NWS, the footage shows two party attendees urinating on the car multiple times while a third individual photographs the act. A few hours later, Minister Van Quickenborne himself emerged from his home.

"Laughter ensued, and while the minister was on the sidewalk, he leaned back and mimicked urination," as reported by VRT. "Subsequently, the minister and his guest looked at the minister's mobile phone, leading to more laughter."

"Appalling and Disrespectful"

Critics argue that this description contradicts Van Quickenborne's earlier statements. In previous remarks, he distanced himself from the "appalling and disrespectful" actions, asserting that he was not present during the incident and was unaware of it.

"If Van Quickenborne indeed provided false statements regarding the incident, it would be untenable for him to remain in office. These are individuals who protect him day and night and deserve his utmost respect," declared MP Yngvild Ingels (N-VA, Flemish nationalists).

Members of the far-right party Vlaams Belang were less reserved in their comments. "It is evident that Van Quickenborne misled the public about this urination incident," asserted MP Ortwin Depoortere. "We demand the immediate release of the video footage and Van Quickenborne's resignation," added MP Barbara Pas.

Sole Interpretation

Tom Ongena, the leader of Van Quickenborne's Flemish liberal party Open VLD, expressed his continued confidence in the Justice Minister on Monday evening. "I sense that people are attempting to find fault where there may be none," he remarked.

The Justice Minister's office reaffirmed on Monday that Van Quickenborne stands by his previous statements concerning the incident. "A substantial amount of time passed between the last incident and the images depicting the minister," his office noted. They maintained that inferring awareness of the situation from his actions is a matter of interpretation. Photo by World Economic Forum, Wikimedia commons.