08 Jul 2017 | 02:03 PM UTC
Belgium: Protest in Brussels planned for July 8
Protest in Brussels planned for July 8 from 14:00 to 17:00 (local time); traffic disruptions expected
Event
On Saturday, July 8, a protest is planned to take place in Brussels from 14:00 to 17:00 (local time). The march will begin at Simon Bolivar Avenue and will then progress along Willebroeck Street, Dixmude Boulevard, Ligne Boulevard, Nieuwpoort Boulevard, Barthelemy Boulevard, Abattoir Boulevard, Poincaré Boulevard, and will end in front of Gare du Midi.
According to local police, traffic disruptions should be expected between Gare du Midi and Place Sainctelette. Police have advised against driving along the march route.
Context
On May 24, thousands of people gathered in Brussels to protest the NATO Summit.
Belgium remains on high alert for incidents of domestic and international terrorism after coordinated attacks at Brussels-Zaventem International Airport and the Maalbeek metro station on March 22, 2016, killed over 30 people and wounded more than 300 others. The Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility for both attacks. The national threat level is currently at "three," the second-highest.
Advice
Individuals in Brussels are advised to plan for traffic disruptions and avoid all protests.
More generally, individuals are advised to remain vigilant, and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the local authorities.
