Brussels, Belgium – A prominent Belgian lawyer, Marc Uyttendaele, faces a potential trial after the complainant in a sexual assault case rejected a proposed mediation, citing a lack of sincerity in his recent statements. The case, which first surfaced in May 2024, centers around allegations of sexual assault made by a former trainee at Uyttendaele’s law firm. The refusal of mediation signals a significant escalation in the legal proceedings, moving the case closer to a public trial.
The complainant, represented by attorney Anthony Rizzo, formally declined the mediation offered by the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, March 6, 2026. Rizzo argued that the conditions necessary for successful mediation – a genuine desire for reparation from the accused and acceptance by the victim – were not met. This decision comes after Uyttendaele reportedly presented a “latest version of events” following access to the case file, a move Rizzo characterized as casting doubt on the lawyer’s honesty.
Details of the Allegations and Initial Response
The initial complaint, filed on May 8, 2024, alleged that Uyttendaele committed acts of sexual assault against his former trainee. According to reporting from La Libre Belgique, the alleged incident occurred in April 2022, shortly after the trainee passed her bar exam and joined Uyttendaele’s prestigious firm. The complainant claims Uyttendaele inappropriately touched her, specifically reaching under her robe and tights.
Initially, Uyttendaele denied the allegations. However, in January 2026, he acknowledged a “gesture inappropriate,” stating he had “misunderstood the consent of the interested party.” This partial admission, as reported by DH Les Sports+, prompted the Public Prosecutor’s Office to propose mediation as a potential resolution.
Why Mediation Was Rejected
Despite Uyttendaele’s acceptance of the mediation proposal, the complainant’s legal team deemed it unsuitable. Rizzo, in a press release, emphasized that Uyttendaele now claims the incident was a “misunderstanding” regarding consent, suggesting he believed the complainant’s actions indicated reciprocity. This revised account, according to Rizzo, implies that Uyttendaele only committed a single “inappropriate gesture.” L’Avenir reported that Rizzo believes this new version of events contradicts Uyttendaele’s initial denial and casts doubt on his sincerity.
The complainant maintains that she clearly and repeatedly expressed her lack of consent and that Uyttendaele “persists in denying the facts” and “does not recognize multiple assaults that violated the complainant’s sexual integrity.” Rizzo stated that, given these circumstances, his client “has no other choice” but to refuse mediation and pursue a full criminal trial.
The Legal Framework: Sexual Assault in Belgium
Belgium has strict laws regarding sexual assault and harassment. The Belgian Penal Code defines sexual assault as any intentional act of a sexual nature committed without the consent of the other person. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature of the act, the circumstances, and whether the perpetrator was in a position of authority or trust. In cases where the perpetrator is in a position of authority, as alleged in this case, the penalties can be significantly increased. The Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office had previously recognized the offense of violating sexual integrity committed by a person in a position of authority or trust as established on January 23, 2026, leading to the initial mediation proposal.
Uyttendaele’s Career and Recent Developments
Marc Uyttendaele is a well-known criminal defense lawyer in Belgium, with a prominent practice and a reputation for handling high-profile cases. He is also a professor of constitutional law at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). However, following the allegations, Uyttendaele announced he would no longer be teaching at ULB, citing a “campaign of aggressive denigration,” according to reports. This decision came after student protests and calls for his removal from the university.
The case has drawn significant attention in Belgium, raising questions about power dynamics within the legal profession and the handling of sexual assault allegations. The complainant, who was an advocate trainee at Uyttendaele’s firm, is now seeking a public trial to fully address the allegations and seek justice.
Impact on the Legal Community
The allegations against Uyttendaele have sparked a broader conversation within the Belgian legal community about workplace harassment and the need for greater accountability. Several organizations have called for increased training and awareness programs to prevent sexual misconduct and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all legal professionals. The case also highlights the challenges faced by trainees and junior lawyers who may be vulnerable to abuse of power.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has not yet commented on the complainant’s refusal of mediation. The next step in the legal process will likely be the scheduling of a preliminary hearing to determine whether the case will proceed to trial. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the legal profession in Belgium and for the broader movement to address sexual harassment and assault.
As of March 6, 2026, no date has been set for a preliminary hearing. Further updates will be provided as they become available. The case remains a focal point of public and legal scrutiny, with many awaiting the outcome of the proceedings.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, resources are available. You can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or visit RAINN’s website at https://www.rainn.org.
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