Liège: Three Homophobic Attacks in Two Weeks – A Worrying Phenomenon

Over the course of two weeks, the city of Liège has witnessed three homophobic attacks targeting gay and bisexual men. The most recent incident, which occurred on Saturday evening in the Outremeuse district, saw a young man violently assaulted by four individuals. According to authorities and local associations, these attacks are not isolated and are part of a broader context of rising intolerance and violence against the LGBTQIA+ community.

A Consistent Modus Operandi

Each time, the method of operation is the same: the victim is contacted via the dating app Grindr, which is specialized in homosexual encounters. A meeting is arranged, but it is actually a trap: the victim finds themselves isolated in a secluded location, where they are then attacked by several people. “Here, there is clearly a specific group being targeted—gay and bisexual men who use this app. So, obviously, these are homophobic attacks,” explains Bastien Bomans, president of Maison Arc-en-Ciel in Liège.

Homophobic Remarks and Violent Acts

During these attacks, homophobic remarks were made, confirming the discriminatory nature of the acts. The victims were beaten and suffered both physical and psychological injuries. Complaints have been filed, investigations are ongoing, and several individuals are being sought by the police. The Liège prosecutor’s office has confirmed the facts and reiterates that a zero-tolerance policy is being applied to this type of violence.

A Context of Rising Intolerance

According to a recent study by the VUB, the level of homophobia among young people has increased in recent years. One in five young people would even like to see the abolition of same-sex marriage. Social media and certain public discourses are being singled out as factors fueling hatred and leading to violent acts. Local associations and officials are calling for a strong response, both from law enforcement and through public awareness campaigns.

Precautionary Measures and Support

In response to this situation, Maison Arc-en-Ciel in Liège recommends that Grindr users be particularly cautious: meet people in public places, exchange phone numbers or make a video call before meeting, and remain vigilant during first meetings. In addition, a rally in support of the victims is being organized this Thursday afternoon in Liège.