Johnny Cotton

BRUSSELS (Reuters). Brussel police used water cannons and tear gas to expel protesters from the area of the European Commission headquarters. This was after a demonstration that included approximately 50,000 people protesting COVID-19.

Belgium has announced that coronavirus restrictions have been slightly relaxed in Belgium, but this was despite the fact that there are still record levels of infections. However, the government said Friday that people need to get booster shots every five months to keep their COVID-19 passes, which allows them access to bars and cinemas.

Some Belgians have been fiercely opposed to the mandatory passes that are required for entry into museums, restaurants, and other public spaces.

Some streets were quickly filled with deadly tear gas, reminiscent of last November’s similar demonstrations. Around 35,000 demonstrators took part in peaceful protests, but they turned violent.

A witness to Reuters said that the building housing European diplomat service and a sandwich shop was broken into.

Protesters set off fireworks while police marched into the park. There were large crowds of demonstrators there. The water cannon was surrounded by body armored officers, helmeted and equipped with riot shields.

Standing on a platform, one demonstrator told others to give it up, stating that the protesters wouldn’t quit.

Caroline van Landuyt said that she was vaccinated against COVID-19 and that it angers her.

Belgium is currently experiencing a fifth wave COVID-19 infection. The peak will not be seen for several weeks. Around 89% of Belgian adults are currently fully vaccinated, and 67% have received booster shots.

My children were forced to get the vaccine. It made me very mad. They wanted to travel.