John Maes, one of Bart De Pauw’s lawyers, understands that his client felt called to break the silence now. “Will he be criticized again? In the meantime, we have understood that you can never do good for everyone.”
Lawyer John Maes thinks that Bart De Pauw had the intention for some time to communicate and tell his story. “You should not forget that he was silent throughout that period,” he responds. “Since the video and the case erupting, there has been no communication. That was due to the criminal investigation. He consciously chose to have his say in the trial. I think that is also important: he did that there too. At that hearing he was given the floor and he provided explanations. What people often forget: he apologized there, as it literally says in the judgment. The only question was: which of the acts was a crime? The court made the decision there. Of the 26 allegations, six remained standing. For that he accepted his sentence and did not appeal.”
“Never had a response”
According to lawyer Maes, Bart De Pauw has chosen to respond now as a result of the documentary that was made about him and that was recently broadcast on VRT. “The fuss that has arisen will have ensured that he now responds faster, or even communicates at all. I think it also has to do with the fact that, as far as that documentary is concerned, there has never been a response. We did not participate in that because it was played during the process. I also thought that was very indecent.”
Will Bart De Pauw not be criticized again after his interview tonight? “Maybe so,” says lawyer John Maes. “But in the meantime we have understood that you can never do good for everyone. Some people disapprove of your not responding. Some say you do. He has now chosen to respond, that is his personal choice. I can only say that I understand that. It is certainly not his intention to relive the trial in the media.” (mkm)