Gregory Lenoci, a 49-year-old father who attacked a pedophile who sexually abused his 6-year-old son, was sentenced to 17 years in prison, sparking a strong controversy in Belgium.
After the guilty verdict and sentence imposed on Lenoci were announced, dozens of people present in the courtroom in Namur expressed their support for the convicted through shouts and demands. Among the slogans heard was the phrase "justice for pedophiles", referring to the outcome of the judicial process.
According to information released about the case, Lenoci took revenge on his neighbor, identified as Marc P., after his son told him he had suffered a sexual assault. The minor was 6 years old at the time of the events.
The situation gained more attention due to the background of the pedophile pointed out by the minor. Marc P. had received a conviction for pedophilia in 2020, after being accused of abusing another 5-year-old child. Additionally, at the time of the attack, he was on probation and was prohibited from being alone with minors.
The abuser was seriously injured as a result of the victim's father's attack and is currently hospitalized.
