The Belgian capital, Brussels, and the city of Liège witnessed violence during protests against education policies and budget cuts, involving clashes between police and protesters, as well as the burning of cars and property.
In Brussels, hundreds of young people, including teachers and union members, gathered on Saturday at the Central Railway Station and proceeded with marches despite lacking permits. Police intervened repeatedly to stop the marches, while some protesters advanced toward them using construction site barriers and threw objects at officers. In response, police deployed tear gas and water cannons.
On his part, Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Clerfayt stated: "This is no longer a protest, but clear and repeated violence aimed at destabilizing our society." He confirmed in a statement that federal police support local police, and that authorities will use all necessary means to restore public order.
The official Belgian news agency reported that protesters attacked the headquarters of the Socialist Party, smashing its windows, and set fire to a waste container and three cars in the Marolles district. They also burned bicycles used to erect barriers in the Anderlecht area. The events led to disruptions in public transport, with stations partially or fully closed, and some bus and tram services halted.
In the city of Liège, approximately 200 to 250 people, mostly young, gathered to protest austerity policies in the education sector. Protesters closed several roads, including a highway entrance, before police dispersed them with water cannons. Some demonstrators demanded the release of detainees.
Student protests, which began in France in opposition to education policies, spread on October 1 to the French-speaking regions of Belgium. Previous demonstrations had seen several arrests and detentions of participants.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Comments (0)