BRUSSELS, (ST)_ Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Raiendres stressed the need to take all measures to prevent Belgians from taking part in combat operations in other countries and the use of criminal sanctions to prevent that , calling on political parties in the country to put a barrier to the growth of radicalism and extremism.
In a statement quoted by the Belgian francophone media, the Belgian minister voiced support to the issuance of a royal decree imposing criminal penalties against Belgian citizens who intend to participate in combat operations in other countries
He pointed out that criminal penalties will be a deterrent factor for Belgians wishing to fight in other countries, stressing the role of Ministries of Interior and Justice in his country in this regard .
According to many sources hundreds of young Belgians went to Syria to fight alongside terrorist groups there .
Against this background ,the Belgian Interior Minister Joel Malkih has been harshly criticized over the ineffectiveness of her Ministry in solving the problem of young Belgians heading to fight in Syria.
T. Fateh