‘Sexism, racism and extremism’ hit Belgium’s military. The defense minister vows a tough response

By SAMUEL PETREQUIN
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — A unit of about 30 soldiers belonging to Belgium’s armed forces will be dismantled after serious cases of violence and harassment surfaced last year. Speaking at a news conference Thursday, Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder said she was informed of the violence taking place within the Fourth Engineer Battalion when she received an email in November. She was alerted by a relative of one of the soldiers, who had been a victim of the alleged violence. Dedonder said investigations were immediately launched, focusing on serious acts of violence during hazing sessions featuring “sexism, racism, extremism.” Several people have already been placed under protection, while suspects have been dismissed or transferred to other units.