Around 50,000 people gathered in downtown Brussels on Sunday, as a police spokeswoman for the dpa confirmed. A total of at least 70 people were arrested, among other things, for property damage or carrying dangerous or illegal objects, according to a police statement. Three police officers and twelve demonstrators were injured.
They were reportedly taken to the hospital, but no one is in mortal danger. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo sharply condemned the riots. “Everyone is free to express their opinion. But our society will never tolerate blind violence,” said De Croo, according to the Belga news agency.
The demonstrators marched from the North Train Station to the European Quarter, where riots broke out, according to the Belga news agency and other media. Accordingly, demonstrators threw objects at police officers and damaged buildings. The police used tear gas and water cannons to force those involved away. Videos online showed broken windows of the European External Action Service building. According to the Brussels police, the demonstration was broken up at 3 p.m. The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell thanked the officials in a tweet and condemned the “senseless destruction”.
According to a Belga report, the demonstrators held flags from different countries such as Germany, France and Poland, many did not wear masks. According to the information, signs contained slogans against the corona vaccination and calls to “protect” children. According to Belga, the demonstration was organized by various European groups.
Source: Nachrichten