Belgium is shocked by the arrest of Sven Pichal, radio figurehead of public broadcaster VRT. According to Belgian media, he has been detained since Friday on suspicion of possession of child pornography. The presenter has submitted his resignation to the VRT ‘for personal reasons’, the broadcaster confirms.
The presenter (44) decided this weekend – through his lawyers – to submit his resignation to the VRT, where he presented the consumer program ‘De Inspecteur’, among other things. The lawyers argued for personal reasons. In an explanation to the Belga news agency, his lawyer says: ,,Sven will receive professional guidance and withdraw from public life. Sven will not comment further and would like to thank everyone who has supported him.”
The lawyer of Pichal does not want to say anything about the exact reason for the dismissal. Broadcaster VRT also says through a spokesperson that it is not aware of the reasons for the dismissal with immediate effect.
Ongoing investigation
According to The last news and the Gazette of Antwerp However, Pichal was arrested earlier this week in an ongoing investigation in Turnhout. A spokesperson for the public prosecutor’s office said that it could not confirm that information on Sunday evening. However, the newspapers report that it would concern the possession of child pornography on his computer.
On Tuesday, the presenter, who is also seen in Flanders as an important advocate for the LGBTI + community and has two foster children with his partner, must appear again. More information about the nature and scope of the case may then become known. He would currently be in prison in Turnhout. Pichal has worked for the VRT since 2000 and has since presented numerous well-known radio programs.
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