– Meanwhile, Jan De Winter, lawyer of the priest who was convicted of sexual assault of a minor announced that his client was restored and can continue his function as a pastor of three churches in Middelkerke. Many criticisms arose and finds the decision inappropriate. He said: “With all due respect to the victims, but everyone deserves a second chance.”

The 40-year-old priest, Tom Flamez, was fired in 2008 after he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old boy whom he got drunk first then later molested him. After confessions, the priest was found guilty of sexual assault. In January 2009, he received suspended sentences and had to keep to certain conditions such as avoiding any friendship with minors. Walter Van Steenbrugge, a local citizen said, “To restore someone like Flamez is incomprehensible.” The mayor of Middelkerke, Janna Rommel-Opstaele (Open VLD), is not entirely comfortable with the decision. “Morally, this is tremendously difficult to justify, especially in a lively and youthful congregation as Middelkerke. There are enough places in the municipality where he can be useful without problems, for example in residential homes but not in the church,” she concluded.

– Royal News: Do you know that Maxima of the Netherlands is the most simple queen in Europe when it comes to wardrobe? During a state visit in Japan, she was seen wearing a brown cape that was once used by Queen Beatrix in one of her royal events in 2000. In May this year, Queen Maxima was also noticed wearing the green dress once worn in 1981 by Queen Beatrix during a royal visit to the kingdom of Belgium. The royal households in Paris, France told me how they admire the queen for her humble character, friendliness and caring personality.  – (END)