Brussels: 7 years in prison for sexual attacker on public transport!

Brussels: 7 years in prison for sexual attacker on public transport!

In a disturbing case involving assaults on public transport, a 25-year-old man in Brussels has been charged with sexually assaulting several underage girls. The allegations include not only touching the victims, but also a serious incident in which he inserted two fingers into a woman's vagina during a night out at a club in April 2025. The responsible court is demanding a prison sentence of seven years and a subsequent supervision period of five years by the court system. This demand reflects the seriousness of the allegations, which also include an American tourist as a victim.

As Bruxelles Today reports, these acts were exposed not only in clubs, but also on public transport. Many women, especially younger ones, have become victims in the past, particularly on buses, subways and trams. The 15- to 18-year-old girls named in this investigation face an alarming reality.

Scope of the problem

A recent report from France Info highlights that seven out of ten women already have ever experienced sexual harassment on public transport. Women aged 19 to 25 are particularly affected, with the figure rising to a shocking 90%. The violent crimes uncovered in the negotiations surrounding this case are not isolated, but rather part of a much larger, societal problem.

Statistics show that 39% of those affected have experienced sexist and sexual attacks, while 19% have been victims of sexual harassment. The breakdown of incidents makes it clear that 6% of those affected are affected by either an attempted rape or a completed act. These alarming figures highlight the need to develop more effective protection measures for women, especially on public transport.

Public perception and reactions

Awareness of sexual violence on public transport appears to be increasing. 75% of women under 30 are affected by the wave of attacks, and many are affected by shame, sadness or even anger. It is significant that only 7% of those affected report it, which increases the number of unreported cases of such crimes immensely.

To counteract this, various public transport operators are implementing various prevention measures: communication campaigns, training for staff and flexible alert mechanisms are some of the strategies put in place. Such measures could be a step in the right direction to enable women to use public transport more safely.

The man's trial brings to light the grim reality that many women have to live with. The focus is on creating an environment where women feel safe and protected and don't have to constantly be on guard - especially in the space that is actually intended for moving people.