During the October 14th mass demonstration against the center-right government’s austerity measures in Brussels, clashes erupted between law enforcement and rioters dressed in black. Targets included the Immigration Office where windows were smashed and the entrance stormed, as well as the Hilton Hotel near Brussels Central Station. Police used water cannons and tear gas to restore order. A total of 62 people were arrested, all of whom have since been released.
Right-wing Vlaams Belang politician, Alexander Van Hoecke revealed that among the arrested were French nationals and an Italian, highlighting the role of international far-left groups. Van Hoecke said
Organizations like Antifa operate internationally with the sole goal of causing damage to society and the economy.
The party called for such groups to be placed on the terror list and emphasized the need to take the threat of far-left violence seriously.
