The claim
“Étienne Davignon, the 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat, died before he could stand trial.”
The institute announced the death of its board member.
Our verdict
True
Davignon died on 18 May 2026, weeks after a Brussels court sent him for trial over the 1961 killing of Patrice Lumumba.
What we found
He was the last living person targeted by the Belgian investigation; the case ends with his death. Our first version could not confirm the death; it is confirmed.
The evidence
2 of 2 sources support the claim; none contradict it.
How we checked
We checked the claim against Belga, Jacques Delors Institute. We reviewed 2 relevant sources.
Sources
- [1]Jacques Delors Institute · The Jacques Delors Institute pays tribute to Etienne Davignon
- [2]Belga · Belgian statesman Étienne Davignon dies aged 93
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