Award for death threat senator

22 November 2004

BRUSSELS – An anti-fascism award has been given to Antwerp Senator Mimount Bousakla just days after she was forced into hiding by death threats.

Bousakla, of Moroccan origin, received the 2004 prize from the anti-fascist foundation for her efforts against fascism and racial discrimination.

A man was arrested last Friday for anonymously threatening the senator with a ‘ritual’ killing for her outspoken comments on Islam.

Awarding the prize, Frank Geudens, representative of the Antwerp province, strongly criticised far right political party Vlaams Blok.

He said the threats made by Vlaams deputy Gerolf Annemans against the judges who outlawed the party were an example of political intolerance.

“The Blok proves that the work done by this foundation is even more necessary,” he said.

Bousakla said it was an honour to receive the prize. “I have always opposed any form of injustice,” she said.

A 38 year old man from Ghent has been arrested on suspicion of issuing death threats to the senator.

The man, who converted to Islam, said he had made threatening phone calls because Bousakla had made what he considered to be intolerant and subversive comments.

But he denied he had made any reference to “ritual killings.”

Three other politicians have also been threatened over the past week, including Justice Minister Laurette Onkelinx.

Subject: Belgian news