A Luxembourg school director suspected of illegal possession of drugs and weapons broke his silence on Friday, refuting claims that he broke the law.
Jean Billa, the director of Lycée Edward Steichen in Clervaux, through a lawyer denied all allegations made against him as well claims of embezzlement of public and private funds.
Billa’s lawyer emphasised the importance of maintaining the secrecy of the investigation and respecting the presumption of innocence. Various statements resulted in “sensational” press articles damaging his client’s reputation, the lawyer told the Luxemburger Wort.
The investigation into Billa’s activities began with information provided by the Ministry of Education, prompting the Diekirch public prosecutor’s office to look into potential violations of drugs laws. The results of these investigations are still pending.
During searches at both the director’s workplace and private residence in October, police discovered weapons that can be distinguished in two categories. Possession and use of category A weapons are strictly prohibited for civilians in Luxembourg, while category B weapons require a permit. Suspicions of violations of the Weapons and Ammunition Act of 2022 were raised during the investigation.
A week later, a separate investigation was launched by the Ministry of Education following another complaint, focusing on the alleged embezzlement of public and private funds.
Subsequent house searches at Lycée Edward Steichen and Billa’s private residence have been conducted as part of this ongoing investigation.
Billa has been director of the Lycée Edward Steichen since it opened its doors in 2018. It is one of six accredited international schools in the Grand Duchy that follow the same system as the European Schools.
(This article was first published on the Luxemburger Wort. Edited by Haneyl Jacob.)
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