A planned eviction of around 70 occupants from a building in Luchtvaartsquare, Anderlecht, was thwarted on Wednesday morning due to a large protest.
From dawn, approximately 200 supporters, including members of the collective Zone Neutre, gathered in front of the building, preventing a bailiff from carrying out the eviction order.
The building has been occupied by Zone Neutre since March as part of a solidarity initiative to provide housing for undocumented individuals. Among the residents are 12 children. The collective had called for a mass mobilisation at 6:00 to resist the eviction.
By 9:00, the bailiff arrived at the scene, accompanied by a lawyer representing the building’s owner, Staring Real Estate, the police, a representative of the mayor, and municipal social services. The local authorities had prepared a social hub on Rossinistraat to offer temporary shelter to the most vulnerable residents.
At 10:45, after two failed attempts to assist the bailiff, the police sought to break through the human barricade using minimal force. However, the municipal representative, after consulting with the police, decided to call off the eviction to protect the physical safety of those present and to avoid disturbing public order. No violent incidents were reported.
“We are relieved today. We will see what happens next,” said Saïd, spokesperson for Zone Neutre. He expressed willingness to vacate the building when construction work begins and is awaiting a hearing on 3 November, during which the magistrate will address an appeal against the eviction order.
The municipality has stressed that the eviction order remains in effect.
