Ghent, Belgium — The trial of G.R., the man accused of circulating explicit photos and videos of well-known Flemish celebrities, will be held publicly, the Criminal Court of Ghent ruled on Wednesday.
The decision came after a request for closed-door proceedings was rejected, despite arguments from the defense citing the sensitive nature of the case, including charges involving minors.
G.R., a former student now facing charges linked to the unauthorized distribution of private images, was implicated in a scandal that broke in October 2020.
Among the victims were prominent Belgian personalities, including radio host Peter Van de Veire, actor and singer Stan Van Samang, and musician Sean Dhondt.
Their explicit photos and videos were leaked on social media after they were duped by a fake profile under the name Eveline. The victims were persuaded to send intimate content, which was later shared online.
In response to the defense’s request for a private trial, G.R.’s lawyer, Wahib El Hayouni, argued that a public hearing would turn the case into a spectacle, given the media attention it has already attracted.
“This is a highly publicized case, and we have no intention of taking part in a public spectacle,” El Hayouni stated, highlighting the involvement of minors as a reason for privacy.
However, the court determined that neither the defendants nor the victims could sufficiently demonstrate that their interests would be “seriously or unduly harmed” by a public trial.
The court emphasized the importance of transparency, noting that a case of this magnitude warranted public scrutiny.
The prosecutor’s office supported the decision, arguing that the case carries “huge societal importance” and should not be concealed from the public eye.
Despite the defense’s plea, the victims did not oppose the idea of a private trial, though they did not actively push for one either. The judge ultimately dismissed the defense’s request, affirming the need for public access to the proceedings.
G.R. was originally arrested after an investigation by the Federal Computer Crime Unit (FCCU) of the Belgian federal police. He confessed to tricking several Belgian celebrities into sending explicit images under false pretenses.
Following his confession, he was released under strict conditions but later re-arrested in November 2022 for similar offenses in the Netherlands.
Operating under the alias Ariana, G.R. continued his illicit activities, leading to further charges. He now stands trial alongside an accomplice from Antwerp.
This case has sparked widespread discussion across Belgium about the dangers of online privacy breaches and the vulnerability of individuals to manipulation through social media.
The trial is expected to address both the legal and ethical implications of such digital crimes, as well as the long-term impact on the victims involved.
With public interest in the case remaining high, the court’s decision ensures that the proceedings will be closely watched as they unfold in the coming weeks.
