The case goes back to a 2015 investigation into the officer in question. After a lengthy process, then minister Etienne Schneider decided that the police officer should be degraded, as well as have his career advancement blocked for the duration of three years.
After the officer appealed this decision in August of 2018, the court now decided that only one year should be applied. Nevertheless, the ruling states that the officer damaged the police's reputation over the years with his behaviour, which is considered inexcusable despite his other merits. An officer of his position is required to follow ethical rules, the court further noted.
The initial decision would thus be justified, but due to the lengthy process with significant periods without administrative advancements, the career block should be reduced to one year. Meanwhile, the procedural costs of €1,250 have to be split evenly by the government and the plaintiff.
