The Belgian public prosecutor's office said a NATO intern suspected of spying will remain in pre-trial detention after a court ruling. The woman, a Canadian national of Chinese origin, is accused of passing information to a non‑NATO country and of links to a criminal organisation. She was an intern at SHAPE in Mons, detained last week after searches of her workplace and apartment; she may appeal and must appear monthly for the first three months with reviews every two months.
Belgian Court Keeps NATO Intern Suspected of Spying in Pre-Trial Detention
FILE PHOTO - A flag with the NATO logo flies in the wind in front of the NATO headquarters in Brussels. (is associated with: «NATO intern suspected of spying to remain in pre-trial detention») Elisa Schu/dpa
A NATO intern suspected of spying within the defence alliance will remain in pre-trial detention for the time being, the Belgian public prosecutor's office announced on Tuesday following a court ruling.
Allegations and Investigation
The suspect, a Canadian national of Chinese origin, is alleged to have passed information to a non‑NATO country and is suspected of links to a criminal organisation. Authorities say she was serving as an intern at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), the strategic military headquarters of NATO's Allied Command Operations in Mons, Belgium.
Detention and Searches
She was taken into custody last week. Investigators carried out searches at both her workplace and her apartment. Belgian prosecutors also said SHAPE's security services had previously flagged the woman to investigators.
Next Steps and Legal Rights
The prosecutor's office confirmed the accused has the right to appeal the court's detention ruling. Under the conditions set by the court, she must appear before the court once a month for the initial three months; thereafter the case will be reviewed every two months. A further appeal against any ruling by the competent chamber may be lodged, subject to applicable legal conditions.
Note: All allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial process. The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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