The Equal Opportunities Centre Unia has filed a complaint with the East Flanders public prosecutor, arguing that Aalter’s registration policy may violate anti-racism laws.
The federal migration centre Myria is also criticising the policy of the East Flemish municipality and its mayor, Pieter De Crem. Their reactions came after reports from Flemish parliament member Mieke Schauvliege (Groen).
Long waiting times
Last month, a report by Pano and an investigation by De Morgen disclosed that people with non-Belgian-sounding names had to wait up to nine times longer to be registered in Aalter’s population register. The municipality, led by former CD&V minister Pieter De Crem, was found to be systematically checking the quality of housing for people of foreign origin before allowing them to register.
Investigation
In response, the public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into possible breaches of anti-racism laws. Audit Flanders has also started a forensic audit into how Aalter handles population registrations.
Documents show that Unia has filed an official complaint, citing possible violations of anti-racism legislation. According to Unia, the delays and extra housing inspections for people with non-Flemish-sounding names suggest discrimination.
Myria also confirms that legal registration procedures were not properly followed in several cases.
“Discrimination is never acceptable”
Schauvliege welcomed the developments, saying, “I am satisfied that Unia and Myria have thoroughly examined this report. They confirm the suspicion of discrimination, the violations of the anti-racism law and incorrect application of the legislation. These are very serious facts.”
She added, “Unia and Myria confirm the gross and discriminatory practices of De Crem in Aalter. Let the courts do their job now. Discrimination is never acceptable, and certainly not if you are mayor.”
