Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On New Year’s Eve in Brussels, 72 people were arrested, including 31 adults and 29 minors; authorities deployed 13 magistrates and staff to manage arrests and court procedures.
As Nieuwsblad reported, on the night of December 31, 2025, police in Brussels arrested 72 people after incidents linked to New Year’s Eve celebrations. The arrests followed reports of violence against police officers, arson, and illegal use of fireworks. Authorities carried out operations in areas where trouble was expected.
What happened during Brussels New Year’s Eve arrests and safety operations?
Of the 72 arrested, 60 were brought before the public prosecutor’s office on January 1 and 2, 2026. This included 31 adults and 29 minors. Adults involved in the most serious offences were sent to an investigating judge. Other suspects were summoned to criminal court through a fast-track procedure. People accused of minor offences were asked to settle their cases out of court.
Minors who did not need to appear before the judge received formal warnings from a magistrate of the public prosecutor’s office. Their parents were informed and involved to ensure proper supervision.
This year, the Brussels public prosecutor’s office set up a special system to improve safety during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Magistrates were present at known trouble spots and in police stations throughout the night.
On January 1, 2026, a reinforced team stayed at the public prosecutor’s office to process cases quickly. In total, 13 magistrates, one candidate magistrate, 2 lawyers, and 7 administrative staff were deployed over New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Brussels have suffered multiple disruptions for several New Years. The latest disruption was on December 31, 2023, which resulted in over 200 arrests by police officers as a result of a large number of events that occurred. There were many fires, attacks against first responders and other violations of law, including the use of illegal fireworks.
On December 31, 2024, a further 159 were arrested by law enforcement due to the similar chaos observed during the previous year’s New Year celebrations. In addition, there were hundreds of cars burnt in several of the neighbourhoods.
