Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): In early 2024, thousands of farmers protested in Brussels against government policies threatening their livelihoods, leading to clashes with police and a fire at the Maalbeek metro station. A protester was arrested for attempted arson, receiving an 18-month suspended sentence.
In early 2024, thousands of farmers protested in the capital because they were upset with government policies. The protests were filled with anger and frustration, as farmers raised their voices against environmental regulations, land use policies, and reforms affecting agriculture. One of the largest protests occurred on March 26, when tensions increased. Demonstrators blocked traffic, clashed with police, and even set hay on fire inside the Maalbeek metro station.
What led to the Maalbeek fire during farmer’s protests in 2024?
The fire at Maalbeek station caused a lot of damage and some parts of the station closed for repairs. Emergency services quickly came to stop the fire. Farmers were feeling desperate because they thought the government was ignoring their problems. The government spoke out against the violence, but protest leaders said these actions show how serious the crisis is for farmers. This protest raised tensions between farmers and government officials.
A protester was arrested after throwing a homemade firebomb at a metro station. The firebomb did not explode, but the prosecutor mentioned that it could have had serious consequences. The Brussels public transport company filed a provisional damage claim of 1 euro, noting significant damage to the Maalbeek metro station. However, the protester’s lawyer argued that their client was not responsible for the fire, claiming he only threw a burning diesel bottle to reignite a fire that had already been extinguished. The court viewed the incident as ‘attempted arson’ and sentenced the protester to 18 months of suspended prison time.Â
