Adjournment refused as Aquino trial re-opens

The trial of the Aquino drugs syndicate resumed in Hasselt on Monday with a motion to adjourn to a later date, following the death of one of the gang’s alleged leaders, Silvio Aquino, who was gunned down last month in Limburg.

The judge refused to grant another postponement, allowing only two days for lawyers to view new evidence before the trial begins again on Wednesday. Members of the Aquino family join more than 30 accused of a battery of charges, including drugs trafficking and money laundering.

The main reason for demanding an adjournment was to await a ruling on a defence complaint against an alleged gang infiltrator, which would render his evidence inadmissible. But two courts have already ruled on that question and rejected it as grounds for a mistrial.

Defence lawyers also argued for a delay on behalf of defendant Silvia Likova, the widow of Silvio Aquino, who was shot in their car in front of her. Finally, the defence argued that the trial should not resume until the shooters have been identified. One lawyer claimed could that even police officers could have been involved in the hit.

The judge ruled that none of those was reason enough to stop the trial again after the long delays it has already undergone. The case continues, but further legal challenges are expected.

Photo: Kristof Van Accom/BELGA