Brussels protests: Police use tear gas on anti-immigration demonstrators outside EU
Police used tear gas and water cannons on right-wing and far-right demonstrators who gathered outside EU headquarters in Brussels to protest against Belgium’s adoption of a global immigration pact.
About 5,000 people assembled for the anti-immigration rally on Sunday which local authorities had initially banned over fears of violence.
Belgium’s high court overturned the ban, citing the right to peaceful protest. Police in Brussels say some of the protesters became violent when they were asked to disperse.
The Flemish nationalist party Vlaams Belang and several far-right groups had organised the “March Against Marrakesh” to denounce the UN’s Global Compact on Migration.
The pact was adopted by world leaders, including Prime Minister Charles Michel, in the Moroccan city earlier this month.
The Belgian government had to be revamped last week because the biggest coalition party was opposed to Mr Michel’s decision to sign the pact, which is meant to streamline and smooth international mass migration.
The agreement involves 23 separate objectives, from data sharing to anti-trafficking measures. President Donald Trump pulled the US out of talks for the UN compact last year, and it has proved controversial in several European countries.
A counter demonstration in support of migrants was also organised in the Belgian capital on Sunday.
Last Saturday, more than 400 “yellow vest” protesters were arrested in Brussels – an overspill from widespread anti-government demonstrations in France over living standards.
Additional reporting by Associated Press
