Forgiving monsters: The Dutroux Case

Recommended by Matthew Brown, Deseret News

Published: Friday, Aug. 3 2012 12:58 p.m. MDT

In this March 3, 2004 file photo, accused Michelle Martin, ex-wife of convicted rapist Marc Dutroux, attends a hearing at the Palace of Justice in Arlon, South East Belgium. A court in Mons, Belgium, has decided Tuesday, July 31, 2012, that Michelle Martin, the former wife of the notorious Belgian paedophile and child killer Marc Dutroux, will be released from prison early. Michelle Martin can leave prison under strict conditions after serving more than half of her sentence, and will work in a Belgian convent.

Yves Logghe, file, Associated Press

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Summary

One of the most notorious criminal cases in modern European history has returned to the public eye, dominating the front pages and leaders of Belgium’s newspapers.

Our take: A comprehensive look at the religious undercurrents of a horrible criminal case in Belgium.

One of the most notorious criminal cases in modern European history has returned to the public eye, dominating the front pages and leaders of Belgiums newspapers. A judge has agreed to release Michelle Martin from prison on the condition she enter the Convent of the Les Soeurs Clarisses de Malonne (Poor Clares) and remain under police supervision.

The news of the parole has prompted an appeal by state prosecutors, public protests, outrage in the press and the mayor of Namur has ordered police to guard the convent. Why such a fuss? The opening paragraphs of a solid AP story tells us why.

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About the Author

Matthew Brown

Matt writes about faith how it is lived, how it intersects with society and how current trends affect religious practice. He returned to reporting and writing after more than 12 years as an editor, most recently a more ..

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