Sven Mary

Sven Mary (born November 1971) is a Belgian lawyer, best known for representing notorious criminals such as Salah Abdeslam and for defending Eva Kaili, Greek Member of the European Parliament, against charges of corruption as part of the Qatar corruption scandal at the European Parliament.

Early life

Mary was born in Antwerp in November 1971, son of businessman and former director of VRT, Tony Mary. In his youth he played football for the junior team at Anderlecht, but had to give up following an injury. He studied law at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, having to repeat his first year three times.

Career

Mary has been described the "star of the Belgian Bar". He earned the nickname “scumbags’ lawyer” for having represented several high-profile criminals. Mary and French lawyer Frank Berton defended Abdeslam when he went on trial in Brussels in February 2018 for his part in a shoot-out with police in Forest that happened a few days before his arrest. Mary argued that Abdeslam should be acquitted on a technicality, but Adbdeslam was found guilty and given a 20-year prison sentence.

He also represented French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo in civil cases.

Publications

Mary is the author of:

L'avocat rebelle, Kennes Editions, 2021, Défendre l'indéfendable, Kennes Editions, 2021,

Personal life

Mary is divorced and has two daughters.