Norway
The four Belgian soldiers who were arrested last weekend after a fight in Andalsnes, Norway, have been released after their interrogation. This is reported by the Norwegian police.
According to Lena Romestrand of the local police, it was not necessary to keep the Belgian soldiers in jail. They have been ordered not to leave the country while the investigation is ongoing.
For the time being, the Belgian soldiers will remain in Norway until at least March 8. New consultations will then take place between the Norwegian police and the Belgian army and it will be determined whether their mandatory stay in Norway will be extended.
The four soldiers, aged between 20 and 40, were arrested on Sunday evening and charged with assault and battery after a large brawl in a cafe in Andalsnes. A man was hospitalized. It is not clear how he is doing. The person is not said to be in mortal danger.
According to witnesses, some of the Belgian soldiers were so drunk that they were dancing “half naked” on tables. Images showed a group of at least twenty people fighting with each other in the street. One person was knocked down and kicked while on the ground. Also against his head.
The four soldiers were in Norway for training. If the soldiers in Norway are actually convicted, there is a good chance that they will subsequently be expelled from the army in our country for serious misconduct.
