Belgium: 17 years in prison for taking justice into his own hands.

A case that is causing a great stir. In Namur, Grégory Lenoci has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for attempted murder after brutally attacking his neighbour.

The events took place on 24 July 2025 in Jambes. Lenoci suspected his neighbour of having sexually abused his stepson. After reporting his suspicions to the authorities, he decided to confront the neighbour himself.

The confrontation escalated into an attack of extreme brutality, leaving the victim with severe disabilities.

In court, Grégory Lenoci said he had lost control and denied wanting to kill his neighbour. The court nevertheless ruled that it was attempted murder and imposed a sentence of 17 years in prison.

The case has sparked many reactions in Belgium and reopens a sensitive debate: can one understand the anger of a relative who believes a child is in danger while condemning vigilante justice?

A question that goes far beyond this case: where does protection end and revenge begin?