Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at the American embassy in Brussels, prompting heavy-handed police intervention. Despite permission for the protest, security forces used force and arrested some activists. Demonstrators criticized US complicity in Palestinian issues.
The Brussels police called demonstrators at the American embassy in Brussels on Friday evening to finish their demonstration. Just like earlier this week at the Israeli embassy, the interventions are heavy-handed.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at the American embassy on Friday from 4 p.m. According to the police, there were 300 demonstrators present, but more people flocked to the scene. At around 8 p.m. the demonstrators were ordered to break up their action. The massive security forces violently pushed the demonstrators forward, including towards the metro entrances. Some activists were arrested.
Unlike the demonstrations at the Israeli embassy, this time permission had been given for the demonstration on Friday. Yet the police are present en masse with a water cannon, police officers in combat gear and various police combinations. Police check demonstrators’ pockets for objects that could potentially serve as weapons. The demonstration was peaceful, reports the Belga news agency.
What criticism did demonstrators have against the US?
The demonstration was organized by several organizations, including the Organization for International Solidarity Intal and the Association Belgo-Palestinienne.
The demonstrators demonstrated at the United States embassy because of “the complicity” of the United States in the “genocide in Palestine”. They criticize the fact that, after the bombing of the refugee camp in the Palestinian city of Rafah last weekend, President Biden stated that no red line had yet been crossed for the US and that the US vetoed the vote in the UN Security Council to invade Palestine. recognition as a full member of the UN. American arms deliveries to Israel are also a thorn in the side.
The Belgian federal government is also criticized because Belgium has not yet taken a clear position on possible recognition of Palestine as a state.
