The Belgian League of Human Rights has condemned what it termed as "disproportionate and illegitimate" use of force by police against Extinction Rebellion activists in Brussels.
The activists staged protests on Saturday on one of Belgium's main against fossil fuel subsidies. The non-profit organisation also reminded that the right to peaceful protest is fundamental in a democracy.
Two separate protests took place in Brussels. The first involved civil disobedience where activists blocked traffic on Rue Belliard. The second was held nearby on Jean Rey square and was limited to speeches.
Based on witness reports, the League explained that police formed a cordon around the demonstrators at Jean Rey square before forcing them to join the other group involved in civil disobedience.
"Several individuals reported being traumatised by the police’s brutal response," the association asserted. In total, 132 activists were arrested.
Live images from a blockage of Rue Belliard in Brussels, a protest action of climate activists Extinction Rebellion against fossil fuels under the 'Let's Be Fossil Free' moniker on Saturday 04 May 2024. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
"Even an unofficially authorised demonstration should be tolerated and shouldn’t lead to warrantless arrests," the League insisted, adding that "any use of force must be necessary and proportionate."
Police must differentiate between a gathering for speeches and civil disobedience, they articulated, cautioning that force should be a last resort and must remain proportionate.
In the non-profit’s view, this mix-up is a severe threat to the freedom of protest and could dissuade individuals wanting to exercise their fundamental rights.
