Press release: The most recent homophobic murder in Belgium is a shocking reminder of the progress we must do on LGBTIQ-phobia

Brussels, 11 March 2021

On Saturday, 6 March 2021, David Polfliet, a 42 year old man, was found dead in a park in Beveren. Three teenagers, aged between 17 and 16, turned themselves in to the police on Sunday. They were interrogated on Monday and brought to juvenile court on Tuesday. They are thought to have lured the victim to a supposed date arranged through a dating app.

Terry Reintke MEP (Greens-EFA), Co-Chair of the LGBTI Intergroup, comments:

The murder of David Polfliet in Belgium this week is a shocking reminder that LGBTIQ people continue to be victims of violence in the EU and, in extreme cases, even murder. Tragedies such as this homophobic murder shake our community to the core and evoke one of our main calls since decades: the right to be free from discrimination and violence, the right to be safe in public. In this time of need, we stand in solidarity with David’s family and friends.

Marc Angel MEP (S&D), Co-Chair of the LGBTI Intergroup, concludes:

Despite the fact that Belgium remains generally safe for LGBTIQ persons, this tragic and despicable murder still happened – and it is symptomatic of the work we must undertake to fight against discrimination, hatred and violence. We cannot get tired of saying that the right to be safe, to feel free and to live freely should apply to everyone, equally, without discrimination. Our sentiments in this time of grief go to David’s loves ones. 

Press contacts:

Office of Terry Reintke MEP – Sebastian Fietkau (Sebastian.Fietkau@europarl.europa.eu)

Office of Marc Angel MEP – Lisa Kersch (Lisa.Kersch@europarl.europa.eu)