The head of the Belgian government criticizes reporters following a request for assassination in the public sphere.
The prime minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, has labeled a radio journalist for calling him to be "taken down" during a live broadcast. De Croo made this announcement in Brussels on Thursday. The Flemish local station Radio Waregem journalist reported on the shooting of Slovakian head of government Robert Fico.
The journalist reportedly said: "To those who want to shoot Alexander De Croo but are hesitant due to security measures: See, it's possible to shoot a prime minister. So, I'd say go ahead." The remarks spread quickly across online platforms.
De Croo's legal team reported the broadcaster to the Waregem police in a city of 40,000 residents west of Brussels. "Freedom of speech is a precious possession, but inciteful violence is outlawed," said the 48-year-old De Croo, who leads a seven-party coalition made up of his Liberal Flemish party.
Radio Waregem reported that the presenter was "immediately suspended" and denounced the comments as "inappropriate." The journalist claimed his statement was meant as a joke and asked for listeners to issue apologies. Belgium's parliamentary elections will take place on June 9.
Similarly, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico suffered from gunshot injuries on Wednesday in a small location. This news shocked the world. The suspect is a 71-year-old author reportedly angry about Fico's political actions.
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In response to the journalist's call for his assassination, the Belgian prime minister, Alexander De Croo, urged for restraint and emphasized that incitement to violence is illegal. The controversial statement by the Radio Waregem journalist sparked outrage and prompted De Croo's legal team to file a complaint with the local police.
Source: www.ntv.de
