violence erupts on the sidelines of a demonstration in Brussels against health restrictions

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The authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd, gathered in the neighborhood where the European institutions are located.

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About 50,0000 demonstrators marched on Sunday January 23 in Brussels (Belgium) to protest against restrictions linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a count by the authorities. The participants in this parade, more filled than previous processions, carried signs criticizing the Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, as well as the health pass. The organizers, including the World Wide Demonstration for Freedom and Europeans United for Freedom movements, had invited demonstrators from other European countries to participate this Sunday. Dutch, Polish or Romanian flags were visible in the procession.

The rally was marred by violence and clashes between activists and the police, according to images posted on social networks by several journalists present on the spot. The authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd, gathered in the neighborhood where the European institutions are located. Police vehicles were also targeted by protesters.

Demonstrations against the health pass, required to access restaurants and cultural events in particular, have been taking place regularly for several weeks in the Belgian capital. Several had already been marked by clashes with the police.

This new gathering comes as some European governments move towards reducing health restrictions, despite the persistence of the Omicron variant. Belgium saw a jump in daily cases above 60,000 in mid-January, with authorities citing a “tsunami”. But the less deleterious effects of the Omicron variant and a high rate of vaccination have allowed the health system to be less under pressure than during previous waves. In this context, the Prime Minister announced on Friday that restaurants and bars could extend their opening hours but that nightclubs would remain closed.


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