Albert & Paola openly support threatened business man and his muslim employee
Tue 19/04/05 - King Albert on Tuesday visited the Remmery delicatessen company at Ledegem in West Flanders. The king's visit is a show of support for Remmery's manager Rik Vannieuwenhuyze and employee Naima Amzil.
In all Mr Vannieuwenhuyze has received seven threatening letters in connection with a Moroccan employee.
It's a case that has stirred the hearts and minds of the Belgian people. The threatening letters targeted the firm's manager, his family and a Moroccan employee.
At first the letter writer demanded that the employee, Naima Amzil, stop wearing a headscarf to work. In the final letters small businessman, Rik Vannieuwenhuyze and his family were threatened and the sacking of Naima Amzil was demanded.
King Albert received a warm welcome from Remmery workers and sympathisers.
Earlier King Albert and Queen Paola paid an official visit to nearby Roeselare (West Flanders). Big crowds turned out to cheer the royal couple as they visited Roeselare town hall, the cycling museum and a local bio farm.
Fingerprints fail to identify author
Last month police took fingerprints from current and former employees to compare them with a print on one of the letters. Kortrijk prosecutors have now said that the examination of fingerprints has failed to provide any fresh evidence.
On March 2nd following a letter containing two bullets Ms. Amzil decided to stay at home. She returned to work last week.