Student protests that began in France have spread to Belgium, with hundreds of students and pupils in Liège taking to the streets to voice their concerns about the cost of education, lack of classroom space, and difficult access to school materials. The protests, which started in early October, have been marked by clashes with police, fires, and vandalism. Many students have been inspired by the French protests, but the situation in Liège has escalated into violence.
On October 5, groups of protesters caused chaos in the city center, setting fires, destroying public furniture, and damaging vehicles. They also threw stones, barriers, and other objects at police, injuring 18 officers. The police estimated that around 1,000 people were involved in the violence that day, and 30 arrests were made. The protests continued over the following days, with shops being looted and authorities sending out a BE-Alert message asking businesses to close.
The situation worsened on October 7, with the city center descending into chaos. Several stores were sacked, and the Liège-Guillemins train station was temporarily closed as a precaution. The authorities reported 107 arrests since the start of the protests, including 80 administrative and 27 judicial arrests. However, this number was set to rise as the day went on.
By the end of October 7, the total number of arrests had reached at least 139, with 30 new administrative arrests and two judicial arrests made that day. The Liège public prosecutor's office confirmed that several young people had been brought before the courts, including minors. The violence has raised concerns about the involvement of young people in the protests.
However, it's essential to note that not all students who are protesting are involved in the violence. The Liège public prosecutor's office emphasized that the vast majority of students are not engaging in any reprehensible behavior. Many students, mostly aged 15 to 17, were seen peacefully protesting outside several Liège schools on October 6.
The protests in Liège have highlighted the challenges faced by students in Belgium, including high education costs and limited access to resources. The situation remains tense, with authorities struggling to contain the violence. The Belgian government has not yet commented on the situation, but it is expected to address the issues raised by the students.
As the protests continue, there are concerns about the impact on the city's economy and infrastructure. The violence has already caused significant damage, and there are fears that the situation could escalate further. The students, however, remain determined to make their voices heard and to push for changes in the education system.
Key points
- At least 139 people have been arrested in connection with the protests in Liège.
- The protests in Liège have been marked by violence, including fires, vandalism, and clashes with police.
- Not all students who are protesting are involved in the violence, with many peacefully demonstrating for change.
