Violent knife incident in Kortrijk

Kortrijk, Belgium – A violent altercation between two men near Kortrijk station resulted in one individual being stabbed in the buttock on the evening of August 4. The incident occurred in an apartment on Spoorweglaan, prompting police intervention to de-escalate the situation. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a 32-year-old man had sustained a stab wound, which, while not life-threatening, required medical attention. The injured man was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment and later released after being deemed stable. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have retained him for further questioning regarding the circumstances surrounding the altercation. The incident has raised significant legal concerns, particularly due to the weapon involved—a butterfly knife, classified as a prohibited weapon under Belgian law. The presence of the butterfly knife complicates the case, as it raises questions about the legality of its use during the fight. Police are tasked with determining whether the 37-year-old man who wielded the knife can claim self-defense, a factor that could influence the legal proceedings. Both men are facing charges of assault and illegal weapon possession, and they are expected to appear before a judge to explain their actions during the confrontation. As the investigation unfolds, the case highlights the serious implications of using prohibited weapons in violent disputes, underscoring the legal ramifications that both individuals now face.