Belgian police violently broke up an illegal group meeting of more than a thousand young people in a park in Brussels. 132 people have been temporarily arrested, five of them in police custody, according to a record of the operation published Sunday. Officials used water cannons and tear gas against protesters who had gathered in the Belgian capital despite the ban.
About 600 police officers were performing their duty in the illegal event on Saturday, among them are horse-riding officers. Prime Minister Alexandre de Croe had warned in the run-up to the first of May to participate in the so-called “La Boum 2” protest, which was organized via the Internet. Initially, hundreds of police officers lined up in the park, and loudspeakers asked participants to keep their distance and wear masks.
A month ago there was a party protest
A little later, among other things, fireworks were set off in the direction of officials. One person lost consciousness when the water cannons were fired, and 14 others were lightly injured, including by a police horse. In addition, three police officers were treated in the hospital, and several others were injured, according to official information.
According to the Brussels City Council, the number of protesters was around 1,500. About 700 initially opposed the dissolution order. A month ago, there was a similar party protest in the park with around 2,000 participants.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, bars and restaurants in the country of 11 million people have been closed since October. However, from May 8th, outdoor food is allowed to reopen. Since the epidemic began, more than 990,000 Belgians have been infected with the Coronavirus and more than 24,000 have died. (AFP)
Publication date: May 2, 2021, 3:10 pm
Last update: May 2, 2021, 4:50 PM
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