Between 2019 and 2020, the number increased from 219 to 292. These attacks were directed at police officers, traffic wardens, members of the emergency services, as well as bus and train drivers or conductors on public lines. This means that no less than 511 cases were registered over a two-year period. Prosecution was initiated in 88 cases, 56 of which resulted in a conviction.
These figures were provided by Minister of Justice Sam Tanson and Minister of Internal Security Henri Kox in response to a parliamentary question by MP Roy Reding from the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (adr).
As far as the police are concerned, in 2019, 43 police officers were injured after an assault, compared to 20 in 2020. The ministers are not aware of any cases where a police officer who was the victim of an assault was subsequently unable to exercise their profession.
