Thousands of people took to the streets of Belgium’s capital Brussels, protesting the enduring Covid-19 restrictions. The marches eventually turned into clashes and police violence, which saw 55 people taken to jail.
Police estimates say that around 3500 people marched on the streets of Brussels. The rally’s organizers, however, gave a significantly bigger tally, claiming that up to 50,000 took part in the event.
The protests in Belgium’s capital continue for several consecutive weekends already, with all the previous events marred by street violence. A large police presence was present at Sunday’s march.
The protesters condemned the enduring anti-coronavirus restrictions and policies like the rollout of a Covid-19 health pass – something that they see as “obligation” to vaccination. They were carrying various placards that read “obligation to immunise” and other signs. “I’ve had my fair dose,” “Enough is enough”And “Do not touch our children.”
Although the march was peaceful overall, some protesters got into fights with the police and pelted them with stones, bottles, and other items.
???????????????? -La manifestation contre le pass sanitaire dégénère à Bruxelles. De nombreux affrontements ont eu lieu entre la police et les manifestants. La police a fait usage de gaz lacrymogènes et de canons à eau. pic.twitter.com/v48U7SADEJ
— Joëlle B. (@Jolle67632617) December 19, 2021
Video footage shows that police used tear gas and batons to respond.
After the clashes 48 protesters were placed under administrative arrest. Seven more people received a judicial order. One of the protestors was hurt in the violence and ended up being admitted to the hospital.
“There were also five reports of material damage,”A spokesperson for the police said that he was quoted in local media.
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