(Brussels) Some clashes pitted demonstrators against the police on Sunday in Brussels, AFP journalists observed during a rally of opponents of anti-COVID-19 measures which brought together 8,000 people according to the police .
Targeted by a group throwing cans, firecrackers and firing fireworks at them, the police responded with water cannons and tear gas.
While the procession had completed its route, the police called for its dislocation, in order to better control the violent skids. Dispersal was in progress by mid-afternoon.
Two weeks ago, the police were surprised by the scale of the mobilization against health restrictions which then gathered 35,000 people in the Belgian capital and gave rise to scenes of riot.
The police had this time mobilized greater resources.
Riot police units with shields and helmets were deployed around the European quarter which houses the EU institutions. Several roads were blocked with fences and barbed wire.
PHOTO JOHANNA GERON, REUTERS
While the procession had completed its route, the police called for its dislocation, in order to better control the violent skids. Dispersal was in progress by mid-afternoon.
In addition to the water cannons stationed in town, a helicopter and drones flew over the area.
The procession had initially paraded peacefully, despite a few firecrackers and distress flares, and demonstrators were dancing to the sound of techno music.
“Vaccines no thank you”, “COVID-19 = organized genocide”, “QR = swastika”, could we read on the signs. “No vaccine for our children,” chanted a group of women.
Protesters denounce the obligations imposed on the population since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to limit contamination, such as the health passport made compulsory to access certain places. They also criticize the media coverage of the crisis.
Called “Act 2, March for Freedom”, the demonstration intended to continue the mobilization of November 21, but ultimately gathered much fewer people.
Several cities in Europe have experienced such mobilisations in recent weeks, particularly in the Netherlands and Austria, while governments have increased the constraints in the face of a new wave of contamination.
Thus, Belgium announced on Friday the closure of nursery and primary schools, for Christmas holidays, a week in advance to counter the epidemic resumption. It has also imposed the wearing of masks in class for children from the age of six. The nightclubs have been closed and the population is encouraged to limit their contacts and indoor activities as much as possible.