The École de Clerheid, a nature-based educational center in Erezée, Belgium, is currently at the center of a legal storm following allegations of inappropriate behavior toward minors. The facility’s founder, identified by the initials JDL, is under judicial investigation for suspected sexual integrity violations involving children under the age of 16.
The controversy intensified following an investigative report by the Belgian public broadcaster RTBF. While the founder and the center’s leadership maintain his innocence, the fallout has prompted immediate action from regional educational authorities and the filing of multiple criminal complaints.
At the heart of the matter is a conflict between the presumption of innocence and the protection of children. The founder has stepped away from all animation and educational activities to allow the judicial process to proceed, while the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB) has taken steps to identify and notify schools that have previously utilized the center for pedagogical trips.
Judicial Investigation and Allegations
The investigation focuses on “atteinte à l’intégrité sexuelle” (attacks on sexual integrity) of minors under 16. According to reports from RTBF, the allegations involve behaviors, words, and gestures deemed inappropriate, with some specific incidents dating back to 2023 and the previous summer.
The legal complexity of the case has increased with the emergence of recent testimonies. Soleyman Laqdim, the Délégué général aux droits de l’enfant, noted that new complaints include accounts of “troubling situations,” such as a person being isolated in a trailer, followed by the administration of medication and a subsequent “black-out.” Notably, one of these testimonies comes from an individual who is now an adult, regarding events that allegedly occurred in 2017 .
In total, four complaints have been filed against JDL. The founder’s legal representative, Me Karol Paye, has suggested that the media coverage may be leading some individuals to “errors of interpretation” and has stated she was not previously aware of some of the newer complaints.
Institutional Response and School Safety
The Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB) has responded to the allegations by prioritizing the well-being of students and the transparency of information provided to families. Following the RTBF report, the FWB issued a circular on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to conduct a census of all educational establishments that participated in “classes vertes” (green classes/nature trips) at the École de Clerheid .
The FWB’s communication emphasized that while the principle of the presumption of innocence applies, the sensitivity of the situation requires “particular attention to the well-being of students” and support for educational teams. This administrative move ensures that schools are aware of the ongoing legal proceedings and can manage the communication with parents accordingly.
Minister Valérie Lescrenier has clarified that while activities at the École de Clerheid are continuing, they are subject to “strict conditions.” An inspection has already been conducted to ensure these safety and operational standards are being strictly respected .
The Defense of École de Clerheid
The leadership team at École de Clerheid has expressed strong support for their founder, emphasizing their trust in his vision and the 40-year history of the center’s educational project. In a public statement, the team denounced the timing of the RTBF broadcast, claiming it was “mounted to charge” and could irremediably impact the school’s reputation while the judicial instruction is still ongoing .
The founder, JDL, formally refutes all accusations of sexual integrity violations. He asserts that the safety, well-being, and flourishing of children have always been his sole priorities. To facilitate the “calming of the affair” and to cooperate fully with the authorities, he has voluntarily distanced himself from all animation activities during the investigation.
The school’s administration further stated that they are collaborating in full transparency with the justice system and remain under the regular inspection and guidance of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles administration.
Summary of Current Status
| Aspect | Current Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Judicial instruction in progress; 4 complaints filed. |
| Founder’s Status | Presumed innocent; stepped away from animation activities. |
| Institutional Action | FWB census of participating schools; strict conditions for operation. |
| Key Allegations | Inappropriate behavior toward minors under 16 (2017, 2023, and recent). |
The case remains under judicial review. The next critical steps involve the continuation of the judicial instruction and the results of the FWB’s census of affected schools. We will provide updates as new official filings or court rulings are made public.
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