Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Raf Verbeke, an activist in Ghent, faced a disastrous fire that ruined his home and local centre. The accused, a homeless man he sheltered, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence of arson. Verbeke is now pursuing a civil case for insurance recovery to rebuild his home while continuing to advocate for affordable housing.
After the fire that damaged Raf Verbeke’s home, a fire expert was called to investigate. The expert’s report suggested arson because accelerants were found at the scene. This led the Public Prosecution Service to ask for a 3-year prison sentence for the homeless man Verbeke had taken in.
The man was accused of starting the fire on purpose. During the trial in Ghent, the judge questioned the expert’s findings, saying there was not enough evidence to prove it was arson. Because of this, the homeless man was found not guilty.
What legal steps can Raf Verbeke take after fire damage?
After the homeless man was found not guilty, Raf Verbeke took him to civil court. Verbeke said the civil case was not about punishing the man. He wanted to recover money from his insurance. If the fire was called arson, Verbeke hoped to get the money to rebuild his damaged home.
He mentioned that the civil case was important for him because it would help his insurance claim go smoothly. However, the criminal court did not find enough proof to declare the fire arson, so this legal issue was separate from the criminal trial. Verbeke’s fight for justice now involved getting financial help after losing his home.
“In Ghent, the judge contradicts that expert report. There are doubts about the use of accelerants, there is no reason to speak of arson,”
says Verbeke.
The homeless man is, therefore, acquitted. Verbeke did, however, file a civil suit.
“That has only to do with the insurance so that in the event of arson, I can also rebuild my home.”
What led to the fire that destroyed Raf Verbeke’s home?
On October 6, 2023, Raf Verbeke, a well-known activist, lost his home in Sint-Amandsberg to a fire. This happened just days before the vote on affordable housing in Ghent. Verbeke had been working hard for better housing solutions in the city.
Raf Verbeke was asleep when the fire started. The flames quickly spread and damaged much of his personal property, making his house unlivable. Verbeke was safe, but a guest in his home woke him up in time. Despite this loss, he continued to support the referendum, which was meant to help solve the housing crisis in Ghent.
According to resources, the fire was set on purpose and destroyed Raf Verbeke’s home. The man he had taken in just days before was arrested in connection with the fire. Verbeke met this man on Korenmarkt in Ghent while a German film crew was making a report about the referendum. He offered the man a place to stay because he had been homeless for several months.
They had made clear agreements, and Verbeke thought the man would keep them. It was revealed that the man had allegedly started the fire. Still, he continued to support the important cause of affordable housing.
“We got talking. The man had been living in Ghent for 4 months without a fixed abode. I offered him a bed in my home. We made strict and good agreements. I never doubted that he had also complied with them,”
Says Verbeke
Raf Verbeke faced a tough time when a fire destroyed his home and community centre in Sint-Amandsberg. He did not give up on helping others. He cares a lot about affordable housing and getting people involved in their community.
Even after his loss, he continued working on local projects. He joined the Summer School Ghent 2024, where he and his group, Te Duur, wanted a vote on affordable housing in Ghent. He discussed public land and how it affects city planning, saying it is important for the community to get involved.
Verbeke also participated in local elections in Ghent. He cares about affordable housing and wants people to help influence their city. Despite his challenges, he remains committed to these important causes.
