Belgian trade unionists face prosecution for roadblock linked to two deaths
Xinhua, October 25, 2015 Adjust font size:
A group of Belgian trade union activists is facing prosecution after they blocked a busy motorway, causing traffic jams which led to two deaths, local media reported on Saturday.
Flemish newspapers Het Laatste Nieuws and De Morgen said police had identified several people accused of setting up a roadblock near the southern Belgian city of Liege on Oct. 19.
A 74-year-old Danish woman died in hospital from an aneurysm because the surgeon who was due to operate on her was delayed by 45 minutes in traffic. The hospital has begun legal proceedings for manslaughter against the unionists behind the roadblock.
La Meuse newspaper also reports that a man had a heart attack while stuck in traffic caused by the protests, which were organized by the French-speaking socialist trade union FGTB.
The protesters' names have been handed to prosecutors and they face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 6,000 euros (6,610 U.S. dollars) if found guilty of obstruction, Le Soir newspaper reports.
Prime Minister Charles Michel told the Belgian federal parliament on Thursday: "The right to strike is not absolute - people also have the freedom to go to work, school and hospital." Enditem