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Anti-lockdown violence erupts in Brussels

By Chris King • Updated: 03 Jun 2022 • 15:21

Anti-lockdown violence erupts in Brussels

Protests in the Belgian capital of Brussels have turned violent this evening, Sunday, November 21. Around 35,000 people had gathered in front of the Gare du Nord train station for an anti-lockdown demonstration, but it soon escalated, with cars set on fire, and clashes with the police.

Today’s protests follow similar ones that took place yesterday, Saturday 20, in Croatia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Italy, and Austria.

The large crowd was there to show their anger at the latest strict coronavirus measures brought in by the Belgian government. All unvaccinated citizens are now banned from going inside restaurants and bars, and by law, have to work from home for four days of the week. Facemasks are also mandatory indoors, and with some outdoor activities, for anybody aged over 10.

Police fired water cannons at the demonstrators who were chanting “Freedom”, after bottles were thrown, and fireworks aimed at the officers. Social networks were full of images and videos of clashes between the police and the protestors. Some were seen throwing bricks at the windows of premises, while streets were shown blazing w¡th fires.

At least 44 people are reported injured, along with three cops. Ilse Van de Keere, a spokesperson for the Brussels-Ixelles police force said, “People have been looking for a confrontation with the police”.

Philippe Close, the mayor of Brussels tweeted that he “strongly condemns the troublemakers”, saying that he “gave the instruction to make arrests and analyse the videos”. Alexander De Croo, Belgium’s Prime Minister commented that Europe was on “red alert”, as reported by thesun.co.uk.

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Written by

Chris King

Originally from Wales, Chris spent years on the Costa del Sol before moving to the Algarve where he is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com

Comments

    • Alexandra Seabrook

      22 November 2021 • 15:47

      Doesn´t anyone stop and think about how all these “Covid measures” make no sense? Masks for some but not for others (although we well know that masks make no difference). Closure of businesses at certain times but not others (Does “covid” suddenty go to bed at certain times of the day or only attack people in certain buildings?). Come on people wake up. This is sheer lunacy. Good luck to those who are fighting this

    • Alexandra Seabrook

      22 November 2021 • 15:47

      Doesn´t anyone stop and think about how all these “Covid measures” make no sense? Masks for some but not for others (although we well know that masks make no difference). Closure of businesses at certain times but not others (Does “covid” suddenty go to bed at certain times of the day or only attack people in certain buildings?). Come on people wake up. This is sheer lunacy. Good luck to those who are fighting this

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