Clashes as yellow vest protests grow in Belgium, Netherlands
In the Netherlands and Belgium, hundreds of protesters poured into the streets to stage yellow vest protests on Saturday. Dozens of demonstrators were detained for throwing paving stones, road signs, fireworks, flares and other objects at police, and also blocking security forces entry to the areas, where the demonstrations were held.
- World
- AP
- Published Date: 12:00 | 08 December 2018
- Modified Date: 05:46 | 08 December 2018
Belgian police fired tear gas and water cannons at yellow-vested protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Charles Michel after they tried to breach a riot barricade, as the movement that started in France made its mark Saturday in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Protesters in Brussels threw paving stones, road signs, fireworks, flares and other objects at police blocking their entry to an area where Michel's offices, other government buildings and the parliament are located.
Brussels police spokeswoman Ilse Van de Keere said that around 400 protesters were gathered in the area.
About 100 were detained, many for carrying dangerous objects like fireworks or clothing that could be used as protection in clashes with police.
The reasons for the protests are not entirely clear. Neither Belgium nor the Netherlands has proposed a hike in fuel tax — the catalyst for the massive and destructive demonstrations in France in recent weeks.