The return of Nizar Trabelsi, a former Al-Qaeda member, to Belgium has revived serious concerns. Convicted of planning an attack on an American-Belgian military base, he has just been sent back to our territory after twelve years in prison in the United States, without holding any right of residence.
As soon as he arrived at Zaventem, the man was taken to a closed centre. For Georges-Louis Bouchez, there can be no other way: “Belgium is not meant to welcome people like Trabelsi”. He adds: “There is no question of any judicial cooperation here. He is staying illegally, he will go to a closed centre and he will simply be sent back to his country of origin.”
This determination from the MR is unequivocal. It is unthinkable that Belgium should become a refuge for convicted terrorists or dangerous individuals. Our rule of law protects its citizens above all else. Those who, like Trabelsi, represent a direct threat have no legitimacy to remain on our soil. The MR and its President repeat it: “We will be paying very close attention to how this case develops. Security and justice must take precedence over any other consideration.” No compromise, no weakness, towards the enemies of our values.