Belgium: Activists to protest in central Brussels from 11:00 Jan. 23

Event

Activists plan to protest in central Brussels Jan. 23 to denounce measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19. Participants will gather at Brussels North station from 11:00 before marching to Parc Cinquantenaire where speeches will take place at around 14:30; the action is scheduled to conclude around 18:00. Participation will likely be in the thousands.

Additional police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the action. Large numbers of people and associated security measures, such as possible road closures or movement restrictions, will lead to localized transport disruptions along the march route. Public transport services may be canceled or diverted and increased traffic congestion is likely. Isolated clashes between activists and police are possible, particularly if protesters attempt to breach any security cordons. Bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence but would face an indirect threat of harm

Advice

Avoid the protest as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in central Brussels Jan. 23.