08 Dec 2018 | 09:14 PM UTC
Belgium: Police arrest over 400 in “yellow vest” protest December 8 /update 3
Belgian police arrest over 400 people in “yellow vest” protest on December 8; additional protests possible over the coming weeks
Event
Belgian police arrested over 400 people in a "yellow vest" protest in Brussels on Saturday, December 8. Some 1000 demonstrators participated in the protest, denouncing the cost of living and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Charles Michel. Several threw rocks and firecrackers, damaging storefronts and cars while attempting to march to the EU headquarters and national government quarter; police fired tear gas and water cannons to push the demonstrators back. Though the protest has been dispersed, a heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected in Brussels over the coming hours. Similar protests are possible in Brussels over the coming weeks.
Context
The "yellow vest" movement launched protests in France on November 17 against rising fuel prices and a planned fuel tax. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators have engaged in slow-rolling protests to block roads and highways in France and Belgium, causing significant traffic disruptions.
Advice
Individuals in Belgium, particularly Brussels, are advised to follow all instructions issued by local authorities, allow for extra time to reach their destination, and avoid all protests as a precaution.
