Police bring 7-year-old Hamza home: his uncle admits hitting him afterward
Hamza’s uncle, the 7-year-old boy who died in Merchtem, Belgium, now admits hitting him after the child was found alone in the street and brought home by the police. He denies, however, having intended to cause his death.
The uncle’s lawyer, Me Ibrahim Uckuyulu, confirmed to Nieuwsblad that his client admitted hitting Hamza several times. The child had gone out into the street alone and had to be taken back to the family home by police officers.
On Bladi.net : Police take 7-year-old Hamza home: hours later, he is dead
A few hours later, emergency services were called to the apartment in Merchtem. Hamza was found there lifeless. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
The autopsy subsequently revealed several injuries and bruises consistent with possible mistreatment. The forensic doctor concluded that the child had succumbed to his injuries. The 24-year-old uncle was placed under an arrest warrant for murder.
Uncle denies intending to kill Hamza
His defense, however, disputes the homicidal intent. According to his lawyer, the man admits to the blows but insists that he never intended his nephew’s death. The defense wants the charges reclassified as violence resulting in death rather than murder.
Belgian justice decided on Wednesday to keep the three suspects in detention. Hamza’s mother and a friend of hers, who are being prosecuted for culpable negligence, had requested permission to leave prison under electronic monitoring, but the Brussels council chamber refused, according to Belga. Their defense can still appeal.
