Belgian MP Trapped in Parliament Toilet for 13 Hours

A Belgian lawmaker was trapped for nearly 13 hours inside a toilet at the Flemish Parliament in Brussels after the door lock malfunctioned.

According to Belgian news outlet The Brussels Times, MP Frederik Aeren was unable to open the door and remained trapped overnight. Emergency services arrived at the parliament building on Wednesday morning, September 16, and eventually freed him by breaking the faulty lock with a crowbar.

After being rescued, the 58-year-old lawmaker developed breathing difficulties and was taken to Saint-Jean Hospital in Brussels. Details about his condition were not immediately available.

Aeren is a member of the right-wing political party Vlaams Belang. He was elected to the Flemish Parliament from the Flemish Brabant region in 2024. He currently serves on the committees for Mobility and Public Works and Foreign Policy.

He is also a municipal councillor in Kortenberg.

Ashik/M.