200 arrested at Brussels protest against COVID restrictions

Sunday, 31 January 2021 4:15 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 31 January 2021 4:15 PM ]

Belgian police officers arrest a protestor during an unauthorized demonstration against measures taken in order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic near the Brussels Central Station, in Brussels, on January 31, 2021. (Photo by AFP)

In Brussels, police arrested around 200 protesters at a non-authorized demonstration against measures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 on Sunday.

According to Belgian media, around 200 people were arrested for trying to join a protest against restrictive measures implemented in the country in order to fight the virus, such as a 9pm curfew or the closing of bars and restaurants.

Brussels police said on Twitter that the gathering ended peacefully, with most participants free to go. The wearing of protective masks is compulsory in Belgium.

A night-time curfew and shopping restrictions are in place, and a ban on all nonessential travel was introduced until at least March, limiting movement ahead of next month's school vacations.

Belgium has had one of Europe's worst outbreaks. The nation of 11 million has seen over 20,800 confirmed virus deaths.

(Source: AP)

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