Falzone Trial Paused for Erotic Salon, Petition Tops 5,000
The high-profile trial of Paolo Falzone and Antonino Falzone before the Hainaut Court of Assizes in Mons, Belgium, will be interrupted from June 4 to June 8 because the Lotto Mons Expo venue has a pre-existing contract with the organizers of the “Erotix” erotic salon. A petition denouncing the interruption has gathered over 5,000 signatures in three days, according to RTBF.
The Trial and Its Tragic Origins
The trial, which began on May 4, 2026, concerns the Strépy-Bracquegnies carnival tragedy of March 20, 2022. On that morning, Paolo Falzone drove his BMW at 174 km/h — more than three times the 50 km/h speed limit — into a procession of Gilles (traditional folkloric figures) during the early-morning “ramassage” gathering. Seven people were killed and 38 were injured.
Paolo Falzone is charged with murder for one victim, Frédéric D’Andrea, and involuntary homicide for the others. His passenger, Antonino “Nino” Falzone, is also on trial. The two men share a surname but are not related. Key evidence presented during the trial includes that Falzone was filming on his phone to create a social media “story” moments before impact, had a blood alcohol level of 0.67‰, and had reprogrammed the car’s engine to increase its power by 40%.
The Scheduling Conflict
The interruption was known to all parties from the start. Hugo Schryers, the manager of Lotto Mons Expo, explained that the venue was rented to the judicial authorities on the condition that the Erotix salon — booked nearly two years in advance — could proceed as scheduled. The trial was moved to the convention center because the traditional courthouse could not accommodate the extraordinary scale of the proceedings, with dozens of civil parties and extensive witness lists.
According to Antenne Centre, the trial timeline is as follows: pleadings begin May 29, the trial pauses June 4-8 for the Erotix salon, rebuttals follow on June 9-10, jury deliberation begins June 10 at a hotel in Mons, and a verdict is expected by June 12. If a guilty verdict is returned, the sentencing phase would begin June 15, with the trial concluding in the third week of June.
Public Outrage and the Petition
Marc Willocq, a resident of Dour who is not directly affected by the tragedy, launched a petition calling the interruption a “lack of respect” toward victims and their families. In his petition, he wrote: “Survivors and loved ones come here to deliver their tears, their broken bodies, and their shattered lives. The judicial organization and the manager of Lotto Mons Expo chose to pack up to make way for stands of leather and accessories. An insult to the memory and dignity of the victims.”
The petition gathered more than 5,000 signatures in just three days, reflecting strong public sympathy for the victims and frustration with the institutional scheduling conflict.
Victims’ Perspective
Notably, some victims have expressed a more nuanced view. Florian, a survivor who was present during the tragedy and has testified during the trial, told RTBF: “Unfortunately, we knew it from the beginning. We also knew which days we’d be able to disconnect and not think about it anymore. We know very well that during the interruption, we’ll be at home, in peace, to catch our breath and be ready for the end of the trial.”
This perspective highlights the complex emotional landscape among those affected — while the interruption may appear disrespectful from the outside, some victims see it as a necessary pause in an emotionally grueling process.
Broader Implications
The scheduling conflict underscores the practical challenges of holding major trials in non-traditional venues. As Belgian courts increasingly turn to convention centers for high-profile cases, such conflicts may become more common, raising questions about the adequacy of judicial infrastructure.
The juxtaposition of a solemn murder trial with an erotic salon has also sparked broader debate about the prioritization of commercial events over judicial proceedings. The L’Avenir newspaper first reported the scheduling conflict in December 2025, noting the unusual cohabitation of justice and commerce.
What’s Next
As the trial enters its final phase, all eyes are on the jury deliberation scheduled to begin June 10. The verdict, expected by June 12, will determine the fate of both accused. If Paolo Falzone is convicted of murder with premeditation for the death of Frédéric D’Andrea — a request made by civil party lawyer Me Mayence and accepted by the presiding judge — the potential sentence could be substantially increased.
Whether the petition against the interruption will lead to any formal political response remains an open question. For now, the trial continues with witness testimony, and the Erotix salon is set to take over the Lotto Mons Expo from June 4.