Absence of Flemish language interpreter delays Glaser trial

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Hearing of a case in which a German National Bernhard Glaser is accused of abusing minors under his care has stalled due to the absence of a Flemish language interpreter.

Glaser, the Director of Ssese Humanitarian Services, a German/Belgian humanitarian initiative providing rehabilitation services and psycho social care to victims of sexual offences, was arrested after two children under his care accused him of sexual abuse. The minors aged between 12 and 14, said that Glaser had repeatedly defiled them since 2007.

An interpreter in his case was sought after Glaser told the High Court in Masaka, that he could not comprehend the English language, and as such needed an interpreter in Flemish, a language that he was well conversant with before he can take a plea.

Flemish is one of the two principal ethnic groups in Belgium. The language is most closely related to Dutch and generally regarded as the Belgian variant of Dutch, spoken by at least 60 per cent of the Belgian Population.

But the court heard this morning that the available interpreter declined to take part in the case citing intimidation and caution from his family. According to Masaka Resident Judge Dr Winfred Nabisinde, the interpreter allegedly feared that his Flemish community could interpret his presence in court as betrayal for a fellow national.

Nabisinde, however, says that the Masaka High Court Registrar has travelled to Kampala to ensure that the court can secure another interpreter for the case to proceed.

Meanwhile, Defence lawyer Caleb Alaka asked the court to allow Glaser, to access proper medical services in the meantime, while they wait for the court to secure another interpreter. The request was granted and the case adjourned to October 24, when the court is expected to have secured a Flemish language interpreter.

Glazer was first arrested in November 2013 on the same charges and stayed in detention for more than two months. In 2015, Justice John Eudes Keitirima dismissed all cases against Bernhard Glaser due to lack of evidence.

However, during an operation at his home, known to many as Bery’s Place, police recovered a dildo and lubricants that he allegedly applied to the victims before defiling them. The detectives found that all girls at the facility had implants, one of the ways used by ladies in family planning.

******

URN