Belgium's former top policeman accused of rape

Former Belgian police chief Fernand Koekelberg faces charges of raping and harassing his ex-girlfriend, months after resigning amid claims of wrongdoing, his lawyer said Friday. Koekelberg in March resigned as general commissioner of the federal police amid criticism of the cost of a trip he had made to Qatar in lobbying for the post of Interpol vice-president. He had also been accused of nepotism. On Friday, the daily Le Soir reported that a woman has accused Koekelberg of raping her after she broke off their relationship in June. "He would not accept it," the forth-something complainant told the newspaper, adding that on Sunday, July 12, "he subjected me to forced relations." Le Soir did not name the woman. Prosecutors would not confirm the information, but Koekelberg's attorney, Marc Uyttendaele, told AFP he had been charged with rape and harassment -- claims the lawyer said were "inventions" and full of inconsistencies. "Fernand Koekelberg dismisses the disgraceful accusations against him," said Uyttendaele, adding that a defamation claim was being compiled against the woman and an application made for her to be subjected to psychiatric evaluation. Koekelberg had recently been nominated the liaison agent between the federal and regional police in Belgium.