A new formula is being implemented in Huy to combat drug addiction. A program designed to avoid prison. " It's based on a commitment between the public prosecutor's office and the offender, who agrees to commit to a course of treatment rather than be sent back before the judge," explains Rosalie Heinen, representative of the public prosecutor's office. "On the other hand, you need to be aware that if this contract, at some point, fails, the person will be referred back to the judge."

This procedure is therefore not aimed at major traffickers but, as Hut Mayor Christophe Collignon points out, at small-scale users who can still bounce back: "It's aimed atsmall-scale users who are likely to still have a social life, so that they can seize this opportunity rather than going to court and doing a short stint in prison. We're trying to raise their awareness. And the various services working on it are getting results."

This type of contract of trust already exists in Liège, with encouraging success: 70% of offenders respect their commitments.

Source: www.rtbf.be/