Stories from Ghent · Belgium

Belgian biotech company B-COS has received a 1 million euro grant to fund research into a 'plant vaccine' aimed at protecting crops from diseases and pests. The funding will support further development of their agricultural technology.

The UGent board of directors is discussing the potential establishment of new ties with an Israeli institution. This consideration comes as activists advocate for an academic boycott.

The Israeli army arrested approximately 175 participants from a new humanitarian flotilla. The group involved described the action as piracy and kidnapping, stating no state has the right to police international waters.

The Flemish Bar Association has held the Belgian state accountable for conditions at the Ghent prison. The organization reported that inmates are held in unsafe, unhygienic, and inhumane conditions.

The Ghent Assize Court sentenced Loana Maria Mikou and Nikuzor Kyurkyui to 30 years in prison on Wednesday. The sentence includes a 5-year period of availability to the parole court. The ruling was issued by the court in Ghent. The boy died three years ago following a week of physical abuse. The sentencing occurred in Ghent, Belgium. The source did not specify the crimes committed by the individuals.

A jury in Ghent found the mother and stepfather of a boy named Raoul guilty of manslaughter. The mother and stepfather of the deceased are the two accused in the case.

Flemish Minister-President Mathias Diependalen stated that employees at the Volvo Cars Gent plant should not be concerned about their jobs. A task force met at Prime Minister De Wever's cabinet this morning to discuss the factory's future.

A court heard that parents exhibited psychopathic traits, lacking empathy and showing a high probability of reoffending. They allegedly abused their son, Raoul, until he died, then disposed of his body in water. His uncle from Germany came to Ghent to report his concerns and file a complaint. The prosecution stated the parents are a danger to society.