The Belgian justice system has delayed a hearing related to the possible conditional release of Mohamed Bakkali, known as the "logisticien" (logistic planner) of the November 13, 2015 Paris attacks, to allow victims to participate in the legal process. The hearing, initially set for September 29, was postponed, according to the Francophone first instance court in Brussels. The Brussels Sentence Execution Tribunal (TAP) explained that it had "taken note of the requests of the victims of the Paris attacks to be associated with the procedure for the execution of the sentence imposed on Mohamed Bakkali." The tribunal also expressed regret that the victims "were only recently informed of their rights under Belgian legislation." The delay aims to give victims the opportunity to complete a formal victim form and, if needed, provide statements to the court. A new hearing date will be announced once the necessary practical and logistical arrangements are completed. This step underscores the importance of including victims in the legal process, especially in cases involving serious crimes with significant public impact. Mohamed Bakkali was sentenced to 30 years in prison in France in 2022, with a 20-year safety period, meaning he cannot be released for at least 20 years after his sentence begins. However, he is currently serving his sentence in Belgium, where he has been granted prison leave to prepare for the implementation of an electronic monitoring bracelet or even conditional release. This has raised concerns in France, where Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed strong opposition in a letter to his Belgian counterpart. He warned that any conditional release would be perceived as an insult to the victims of the Paris attacks, who have endured immense trauma and loss. The situation highlights the complex interplay between legal procedures, international cooperation, and the emotional and ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of convicted terrorists. The Belgian court’s decision to involve victims reflects a broader trend in criminal justice systems to ensure that victims have a voice in legal processes, particularly in high-profile and sensitive cases.