"You would give a helping hand with the deportation of the Jews"

The celebrated Belgian artist Wim Delvoye has received a six month suspended prison sentence as well as a 2,750 euro fine for threatening behaviour towards a woman police officer and two inspectors belonging to the Nature and Forestry Agency. Other changes related to violent theft of their warrant cards and a camera as well as slander.

The incident happened when the inspectors attempted to prevent the artist from setting out a garden with sculptures in the grounds of Melle Castle. Wim Delvoye flipped when the inspectors attempted to take photos of what he was doing.

He shouted: "I will send my soldiers after you and set light to your home" before he proceeded to throw their camera into a ditch.

A police officer who wanted to question the artist was the subject of abuse: "You would give a helping hand with the deportation of the Jews" she was told.

The judge took issue with this reference to the deportation of the Jews during the Second World War. Wim Delvoye admitted he had uttered these words. His counsel argued that action was being taken against him because of his celebrity.

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