Belgium's Shame Goes Global as Dutroux Trial Opens

Belgium’s Public Enemy Number One Marc Dutroux slept soundly behind specially installed bullet proof glass in the chamber of the new, heavily barricaded courthouse, as the presiding judge, Stephane Goux, opened the country's trial of the century.

Dutroux, accused of child sex crimes that have sickened a nation, struggled to stay awake as his frustrated legal team prepared to defend him against the charges of kidnapping, sex abuse and murder and earned a severe rebuke from Judge Goux (photo) who urged his lawyers to "wake up your client." Ronny Baudewijn, leading counsel for the defense replied, "He seems to be very tired and had a very bad night."

It is unsurprising that Dutroux may be having trouble sleeping. With hundreds of armed police in the streets outside the courthouse in the Southeastern town of Arlon, helicopters constantly circling and fortifications added to areas of the chamber, the security forces were taking very seriously the possible threat of a revenge attack on Dutroux and his co-defendants. Such is the hatred that has been festering in Belgium for eight years since the accused parties were apprehended that Dutroux also appeared wearing a Kevlar bullet proof vest.

Emotions running high in Arlon

There is evidence that those pent up feelings are reaching breaking point with hotels refusing requests for accommodation from anyone associated with Marc Dutroux, from relatives to legal counsel. His lawyers are staying at a nearby military barracks because no hotel will take them. Even restaurants, which are seeing surges in profits from the increased trade from those drawn to the case, are giving away a lot of the money they raise to charities connected to the families of the victims.

The case has turned the world's attention on the small town where at least 200 different television companies are encamped, beaming the shame of a nation around the globe, although the majority will not be allowed within the heavily guarded courtroom.

Somber atmosphere tinged with electricity

Those who were allowed inside reported that the atmosphere was very somber but crackled with emotion as Dutroux and the three other defendants took their places in the glass cage. Beside him sat Michel Nihoul, a petty crook with a long history of involvement in the sex and drug trade, Dutroux's now estranged wife, Michelle Martin and a drifter, Michel Lelièvre.

Monday's proceedings were spent selecting six men and six women to stand on the jury and a further twelve to act as reserve. Many of the 180 Belgians who were summoned asked to be excused from the trial, several saying they would not be able to withstand the emotional stress of it.

One potential juror told reporters outside the court: "I think it's very hard, you have to be very conscientious, it will be quite hard to take. Sincerely speaking, I don't think I am up to it, but it's not my decision."

Parents come face-to-face with accused

Some of the parents of the murdered and kidnapped girls were in court for the proceedings. After the first session, Betty Marchal (photo, with husband Paul), mother of murdered 17-year-old An, spoke about the moment she once again set eyes on Dutroux and his co-defendants. "It was difficult although I have seen them before, but it was difficult, yes. Because they are sitting there as if nothing is wrong but I think there is definitely a lot of wrong."

Georges-Henri Beauthier, the lawyer for Laetitia Delhez, one of the surviving girls, described the atmosphere in court. "It was heavy, really quiet. Quiet because the President wanted to make everything okay, and heavy because it is a strong, strong trial and we are trying to avoid a show, to avoid some fantasy of Mr. Dutroux. So for us it is perhaps difficult, for the victims it is really difficult."

Victim prepares to give testimony

Sabine Dardenne, one of the rescued girls is due to testify later this week. Dardenne, then aged 12, was snatched on May 28, 1996, and spent the next 80 days confined to a cellar, where it is alleged she was raped and psychologically abused until her kidnapper was apprehended by police. She has said the she often reads the journal she kept during those dark days as not to forget and to prepare for her testimony. "He must pay," she said of her captor.

With the testimony of hundreds of people to be heard, the trial is expected to last three to four months. It will be a gruelling process for the families, some of whom were already in tears on the first day of their ordeal.

Letter alludes to police involvement in child sex ring

Dutroux has admitted abducting and confining the children but denied killing them. However, on the eve of the trial, he sparked further controversy by sending a letter to Belgian media saying he was only a small part of a criminal network that had links to Belgian law enforcement. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty.