Court Refuses to Handle Nurse's Case in Overdose Death

The Tongeren court has opted not to take on the case of a nurse accused of causing the overdose death of patient Maria Blanco. The court ruled on August 2 that it lacked the authority to adjudicate the matter, which has sparked appeals from both the prosecutor and the defense. The nurse, from Genk, is alleged to have administered excessive pain medication to Blanco, which the judge noted could have led to her death, although there was no intent to kill. The prosecutor has expressed disagreement with the court's decision, arguing that the case should remain within the lower court's jurisdiction rather than escalating to a higher court for serious crimes. They contend that the circumstances do not warrant a murder charge by poisoning. Meanwhile, the nurse's lawyer, Bert Partoens, has also filed an appeal, criticizing the investigation's handling over the past decade. He highlights the significance of a coin found in Blanco's throat, suggesting that it could explain her symptoms and should have been given more weight in the proceedings. As the appeals process unfolds, the appellate judge will soon review the case. They have the authority to either uphold the lower court's ruling or alter it, potentially allowing the case to proceed to a higher court if the nurse is found guilty. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the legal treatment of medical professionals in similar situations.