Schaerbeek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) -Police declared a warrant for search after two men committed severe aggression during a MIVB bus ride in Schaerbeek on 10 February. The male aggressors started harassing their targets before delivering two rounds of violent attacks until they disappeared from the bus at the following station.
A search notice was issued by police after a severe incident of aggression occurred on an MIVB bus at Schaerbeek station on February 10, 2025. Two victims received homophobic physical and verbal assault from two men who targeted them on board an MIVB bus, according to witnesses.
The bus operators entered through the stop at Azalées and then attacked their targets before stepping off at the next stop. The authorities aim to locate two suspects who match the description of young men, who are offered details about their identifying characteristics and attire.
The incident took place on bus 66 of the MIVB network as it travelled to De Brouckère station at 2:25 pm.
The victims say the two perpetrators questioned them about being gay, which led to attacks when they confirmed it. The suspect is approximately 1.80 meters tall and has average body size, with short dark hair, black sweatpants, thin white stripes, a black hooded sweater, and black sneakers.
“On Monday, February 10 2025, at around 2.25 pm, 2 people violently attacked 2 people on bus 66 of the MIVB sat, towards De Brouckère,”
the press release begins.
“The perpetrators got on at the Azalées stop in Schaerbeek, immediately harassed the victims, beat them up and got off at the next stop.”
According to the victims, the 2 men asked them if they were ‘gay’ and became aggressive when they confirmed this.
The police are now looking for 2 men around 20 years old.
“The 1st person is about 1.80 meters tall and of average build. He has dark, short hair. At the time of the facts he was wearing black sweatpants with thin white stripes, a black hooded sweater and black sneakers”,
It says.
“The 2nd person is between 1.60 and 1.70 meters tall. He has a narrow face and thick eyebrows. At the time of the facts, he was wearing a white hooded sweater, a dark cap and a white down jacket.”
What Is the historical context of safety and homophobic violence in Brussels?
Belgium’s capital city, Brussels, continuously addresses two major concerns about transportation safety and homophobic hate crimes which occur within its sphere. Public transport operator MIVB has previously received criticism about harassment and aggressive incidents that led to safety campaigns combined with enhanced security measures.
Belgium faces ongoing problems with homophobic attacks that remain mostly invisible, but advocacy groups demand better legislation combined with public understanding about these issues.
Schaerbeek stands as a population centre with diverse populations because it has periodically experienced rising crime statistics. Unia Belgium records high levels of unreported discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ persons based on their latest 2022 report. This incident deepens the public discussion about safety and inclusivity in Brussels’s public areas.
