{
  "id": 3965078,
  "title": "Brussels prosecutor fumes at lack of resources to tackle drug violence",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/brussels-prosecutor-fumes-at-lack-of-resources-to-tackle-drug-violence",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T12:40:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/article/brussels-prosecutor-calls-for-more-resources-amid-drug-violence/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Brussels’ top prosecutor, Julien Moinil, is frustrated by a lack of resources to combat drug-related violence in the Belgian capital. Despite demanding more support last year, Moinil claims his requests have been ignored, leaving him with inadequate resources to tackle the issue. Recent shootings have left the city reeling, with 69 gun-related incidents reported in 2026 compared to 102 in 2025.\n\nThe violence has affected various neighborhoods, including an attack on a police station in Anderlecht and multiple shootings in Molenbeek and Saint-Gilles. Innocent citizens have been caught in the crossfire, such as in an incident where pizzeria clients had to take cover from flying bullets. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is convening a meeting on Friday to address the issue.\n\nMoinil has criticized the Belgian government for not providing the additional €10 million he requested to combat drug violence, stating that the requested funds are not excessive given the €203 million already seized by his office from criminals. He called for stricter measures against undocumented and underage individuals involved in crimes, noting that undocumented people often serve as a cheap labor force for drug gangs. Moinil also emphasized the need for better resources to address drug addiction and called for improved cooperation with international partners to target major gang leaders who are either in prison or abroad.",
  "summary": "Citizens risk getting caught in the crossfire of escalating drug violence in the Belgian capital, Julien Moinil warns.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}