[Belgium] Riots: Violent demonstration

On 27 March 2025, in the evening, at the call of NSV, around 400 to 600 far-right demonstrators, including the leader of the VB, as well as members of private militia Project Thule, gathered in Gent (Vlaanderen), demonstrating against immigration. Simultaneously, at the call of various left-wing groups, between 1,000 to 1,300 demonstrators, including participants from trade unions and political youth movements, and civil society such as Hart Boven Hard, gathered at Rabot Park, marching toward the Stadshal, chanting slogans and demonstrating against the 'remigration' rhetoric and what they called racist discriminatory policies. The situation escalated as counter-demonstrators clashed with the NSV group, prompting the police to deploy water cannons and administratively arrest and detain 27 people. The arrests were primarily of left-wing demonstrators for wearing balaclavas trying to stoke conflict, including throwing objects like sticks, eggs, and glass. By around 22:15, both demonstrations were brought to an end, and the police managed to restore calm, although sporadic incidents continued until later that evening.

Severity

LOW

Occurred

2025-03-27

Country

Belgium

Event type

riot

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