Fourniret to be tried in French court

21 June 2005

BRUSSELS — Belgian and French authorities agreed on Tuesday that self-confessed French serial killer Michel Fourniret will have just one trial.

Despite being accused of murders both in Belgium and France, justice authorities said on Tuesday an agreement had been made to try Fourniret in France.

The trial will be held in Charleville-Mezière in France, probably in the spring of 2006, Flemish broadcaster VRT reported.

Belgian prosecution authorities are finalising investigations into Fourniret, who lives in Belgium, and the results of inquiries will soon be passed onto French officials.

In Belgium, Fourniret is accused of abducting and killing 12-year-old Elisabeth Brichet in Namur in 1989.

He is also suspected of an attempted rape in Jambes (Namur) in 1995, the abduction of a girl in Ciney (Namur) in 2003 and an attempted abduction in 2002.

Fourniret and his wife are expected to be handed over to French officials in October.

The families of victims whose murders are being investigated by Belgian police gave their blessing for a French trial earlier this month.

Subject: Belgian news