A disturbing incident unfolded in Zelzate, a Flemish region in Belgium, as a young boy faced humiliation and physical assault at the hands of a suspected “bullying gang” of youngsters, possibly of migrant origin. The incident was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, shedding light on the harrowing ordeal.
The video depicts six young individuals surrounding the boy, pressuring him to kneel and kiss their feet. Amid their demands, “Kiss, kiss,” the boy reluctantly complies under duress. However, his compliance does not shield him from further mistreatment. Following the forced act, the boy is subjected to multiple punches to his head and face. The gang, fuelled by cruel amusement, departs the scene, leaving the boy visibly distressed.
While the identities of the perpetrators behind this criminal assault remained undisclosed by law enforcement, suspicions arose that the gang may have migrant origins. The incident took place on August 11 and sparked outrage, with the video garnering widespread condemnation.
Filip Dewinter, the president of Vlaams Belang, a Flemish far-right populist party, described the video as “disgusting” and questioned whether the gang was composed of individuals of migrant origin. He decried the incident as an act of “humiliation of the non-Muslims,” highlighting the troubling dynamic at play.
Another distressing video, captured in close proximity to the boy’s assault, showcases individuals pulling a girl’s hair and striking her face as she lies on the ground. The girl’s relative expressed her fear of leaving the house after this alarming incident.
Law enforcement undertook efforts to establish whether the two incidents were perpetrated by the same group of individuals. The assailants were reported to be from Zelzate, with authorities anticipating swift apprehension.
In response to these distressing events, Luc Van Waesberghe, the acting mayor of Zelzate, implemented a temporary order enabling police to request identification from individuals aged 10 to 18, aimed at aiding the investigation. This measure, which allows law enforcement to conduct identity checks on minors without specific cause, is in effect until August 22.
The mayor, affiliated with the social democratic political party Vooruit, expressed condemnation of the incidents showcased on social media. The local community and authorities are resolute in their determination to address this concerning issue, ensuring that such acts of aggression and humiliation are met with appropriate action.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of addressing bullying and violence in all its forms, regardless of the backgrounds or identities of those involved. The community’s united stance against such behavior reaffirms the commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone.