They’re here

Police brutality has to be stopped in its tracks

They say that, when America sneezes, Europe catches a cold. The streets of Brussels have seen demonstrations by pupils and teachers alike objecting to new measures being introduced into the educational system here in Belgium. The country’s constitution contains a clear freedom of expression, and demonstrations are allowed.

What are not allowed are bottles of petrol being carried by 13-year-old schoolboys in the midst of such demonstrations. It is common knowledge, however, that where the peaceable collect in order to voice legitimate objections, the violent will also seek to infiltrate to voice messages of hatred. The police are investigating the young man.

But the police are also taking a peculiar stand, and it is hard to know at this stage whether some of their number are seeking to emulate the thuggery displayed by police and ICE in the U.S. or elsewhere, or whether the conduct they are engaging in is being condoned and/or inspired from higher echelons. Sexist, homophobic and racist remarks, not muttered sotto voce but cried across streets at demonstrators from behind balaclavas. Not allowed. And, worse still, an officer deploying equipment bearing a gothic cross and the legend Deus vult: the “God wills it” battle cry of the mediaeval Crusaders, and the symbol etched into the forearm of U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Not allowed. Officers crowding round to arrest demonstrators using maxx violence, and pepper-spraying passers by who are endeavouring to extricate themselves from the fray, not join it. Not allowed.

In the film Poltergeist, it was child actor Heather O’Rourke who uttered the chilling line announcing evil had made its arrival by means of technological telecommunications. Today, it’s me: They’re here.

The city council is investigating certains policiers. I think they should be investigating la police, point, à la ligne.

Police officer holds equipment marked with neo-fascist slogan; statement by Brussels police; massed police officers; dog handler randomly pepper-spraying passers-by; policeman smoking fat cigar on duty; balaclava-wearing officer baits demonstrators with denigrating remarks; passer-by randomly sprayed with pepper spray; fleeing demonstrators; police detain a youngster carrying petrol.