Worried parents and local residents in the Brussels municipality of Sint-Jans-Molenbeek gathered for a peaceful sit-in on Wednesday afternoon to demand safer streets for their children.
The Bonneviepark, long associated with drug dealing, has become a hotspot for violence in recent months. Multiple shootings erupted in the neighbourhood over the summer, turning the park into a danger zone. Many parents and schools now prohibit children from playing there, located just steps from the town hall, for fear they might encounter dealers or fall victim to stray bullets.
During the sit-in, children reclaimed the park by engaging in playful activities. Some climbed on play equipment, while others created protest banners with slogans like “STOP,” “Changeons le climat” (Let’s Change the Climate), “Pief, Poef, Paf – Don’t Shoot Us,” and “Parc de Malvie” (Park of Bad Life). Elsewhere, a group of children prepared for a 60-metre sprint race starting from the local police station and ending in the park.
“We’re organising a race against the police with the children,” explained Pierre Silverberg, a member of Molenbeek’s citizens’ council and event organiser. “During the last shooting, it took the police 3 minutes and 50 seconds to reach Bonneviepark. The children are trying to beat that time in this sprint.”
Acting Mayor Amet Gjanaj (PS) also attended the sit-in to show support for the initiative. “We welcome this action,” Gjanaj said. “Since the shootings, the municipality has increased the number of police patrols in the area.”
Residents hope their collective efforts send a clear message to drug dealers: violence is not welcome in Molenbeek.
