13 Dec 2018 | 09:27 AM UTC
Belgium: “Yellow vest” protest in Brussels December 14 /update 4
Further “Yellow vest” protests in Brussels on December 14; associated disruptions expected
Event
Additional "yellow vest" protests are scheduled to take place in Brussels on Saturday, December 15. Participants are expected to gather at Place du Luxembourg; further details on the protests have yet to be released. Localized transportation disruptions, along with a heightened security presence, are expected in the area. Clashes between protesters and police forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Related protests took place on December 8 in Brussels, resulting in clashes between protesters and police forces. Around 400 people were arrested.
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.