A class action lawsuit is set to be filed against the Brussels commune of Uccle, its police force, the local zone, and Mayor Boris Dilliès (MR) over the use of “excessive force” during a protest that took place on Tuesday in front of the Israeli embassy.
The case is being led by legal firm Progress Lawyers Network (PLN) and currently includes five complainants by attendees who were injured by the police’s response, explained Selma Benkhelifa, a PLN member.
On Tuesday from 18:00, several hundred protesters met in front of the Israeli Embassy in Uccle. The police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd after less than an hour of the rally, which the organisers insist was peaceful.
One protester was hit in the face by a police baton whilst a VUB student had to undergo eye surgery after being hit by a water cannon. Addressing the police response, Benkhelifa highlighted a "disproportionate" use of force which breaches the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.
She specified that the fact that the protest was unauthorised "does not justify the use of specific methods used by the police on Tuesday – namely tear gas and water cannons.”
Protesters in front of the embassy of Israel to Belgium, in Brussels, Wednesday 29 May 2024. Credit: Belga / Hatim Kaghat
However the mayor defended the police action, arguing that the protest was “illegal” as no prior permission had been sought. He said that the protesters were asked to leave but did not comply, so he “authorised the police to disperse the crowd,” Dilliès admitted on Tuesday night, though he insisted that "The use of force was in accordance with the law."
The PLN has so far gathered statements from five protestors who were injured during the police intervention, which included tear gas, water cannons, and batons. The organisation expects to receive more complaints.
While expressing regret for the injured protestors, Dilliès maintained that participation in an illegal demonstration comes with risks. "Aside from the peaceful students, this gathering also consisted of far-left activists whose sole purpose was to confront the police," he stated.
Related News
- Belgium to gather 'large group of EU countries' to push for recognition of Palestine
- Police crack down on illegal pro-Palestine protest outside Israeli Embassy in Brussels
A similar demonstration, like those organised over the past few days, is scheduled for 18:00 on Thursday in front of the Israeli embassy. "Tonight, the same police resources will be deployed – at a minimum," Dilliès said.
On Wednesday, the Human Rights League (LDH) condemned the incidents that occurred the previous day and urged the Uccle municipality to uphold the right to protest. Amnesty International called for an in-depth investigation into the incident, casting doubt on the legality of the decision to disperse the gathering.
