Protests against anti-coronavirus restrictions have turned into clashes with police in Brussels
The fifth demonstration in two months in Brussels against anticoronavirus restrictions on Sunday, like the four previous ones, turned into clashes with police. According to police, 50,000 people took part in it.
The action, coordinated by the authorities in the Belgian capital and organised by numerous European social movements, called on EU citizens to stand up for “democracy, human rights and respect for the constitution”.
Organisers claim 500,000 people took to the streets of Brussels.
After the end of the demonstration and the rally in the Park of the Pentecost near the European quarter, up to 1,000 people refused to disperse and started throwing firecrackers and bottles at the police. The police responded with water cannons and tear gas. The protesters then broke into smaller groups and dispersed into surrounding streets, smashing shop windows and cars.
It took the police about an hour and a half to restore order. Special units were active in the city centre, police armoured vehicles were spotted and a helicopter bobbed over the city. The temperature in Brussels is now plus 3 degrees Celsius. According to local law, water cannons can be used at temperatures above freezing.