Long-term suspension after Flemish hazing drama
KU Leuven has imposed harsher sentences on seven students who were involved in the fatal hazing of the 20-year-old student Sanda Dia in 2018.
According to the Flemish broadcaster VRT, the former members of student association Reuzegom have been suspended for one or more years.
Initially, the seven involved only received community service and a writing assignment, but this was criticised. Therefore, after inspecting the criminal file, KU Leuven started a new investigation in September. This has now led to heavier sanctions, according to the broadcaster.
KU Leuven itself does not give any details about the new penalties and stresses in a statement that “the current disciplinary proceedings” have not yet been completed. The seven students have appealed to the university. A student of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, who was also involved in the fatal hazing ritual, is not allowed to enter the campus for the time being, writes daily newspaper De Morgen.
The 20-year-old Dia died in December 2018 as a result of a cardiac arrest. During his hazing, he had to spend hours in a well with ice-cold water and was forced to drink large quantities of fish sauce. The criminal investigation into the case is still ongoing. (HOP, Evelien Flink)
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