Meise (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mayor Gerda Van den Brande (N-VA) of Meise filed a complaint against a 68-year-old man for threatening graffiti targeting her and police; repeated vandalism continues despite repainting and prior police action.
As VRT News reported, the mayor of Meise has filed a complaint after a 68-year-old man spray-painted threatening graffiti on his own home and on a neighbour’s house. The messages targeted the mayor and the local police.
Some of the slogans included,
“Gerda, bitch, go to jail. Dangerous for everyone.”
Authorities said the man is already known to police. He began by painting his own house and later vandalised a nearby property. Neighbours expressed concern about safety after the incident.
What Is Happening in Meise as Mayor Van den Brande Faces Threatening Graffiti?
The man accused of spray-painting threatening graffiti in Meise is said to have mental health issues. Despite this, Mayor Gerda Van den Brande (N-VA) has filed a complaint for vandalism and intimidation.
“I have already filed two complaints with the police. The case is now with the Halle-Vilvoorde public prosecutor’s office, which must make a decision,”
the mayor said. She added that both she and the police are being targeted and said the harassment must stop immediately.
The neighbour whose property was defaced repainted his gate, but the perpetrator returned and added more graffiti. Authorities are following the case closely.
“This isn’t just vandalism, but pure intimidation,”
says Van den Brande.
“The man is yelling and screaming and causing a stir in the neighbourhood. I’ve already received several threatening letters from him. An alderman has also filed a complaint against him with the police. I hope the public prosecutor’s office makes a decision soon, in the interest of everyone’s safety. The police have already detained him once for questioning.”
In March 2024, another act of vandalism occurred in Meise. Vandals damaged or destroyed most of the N‑VA party election signs displayed around the area. Tags found on these monuments contained offensive symbols, including swastikas and sexual content.
