Bruges and Kortrijk join Antwerp in honouring memory of Julie Van Espen

Outrage at the murder of Julie Van Espen killing has spread far beyond Antwerp. In addition to the silent protest announced for Antwerp on Sunday, a commemorative and awareness-raising march has now been planned for Bruges, while a human chain is to be organised in Kortrijk under the theme of “Wij zijn het beu” (We’re fed up).

Van Espen, a 23-year-old student, was murdered on Saturday while on her way from Schilde to Antwerp by cycle.

Related Content: A silent vigil in honour of Julie Van Espen to be held on Wednesday night

Participants in the Bruges march are being asked to gather on Friday from 6.30 p.m. at the Galerie ARTificial, according to Stijn Labeur, organiser of the event.

“We shall go to the Grand-Place at 7.30 p.m., where we shall observe one minute’s silence,” according to the march’s organiser, who said he did not know the victim but was touched by the events. “The idea is, above all, to raise awareness. I have no wish to point fingers. That would not bring Julie back.”

In Kortrijk, a human chain made up exclusively of women will be organised on the same day, Friday.

“We wish to be free, free to go around on bicycle, free to party and we shall send a signal for that on Friday evening,” the event’s organisers explained on Facebook, calling on all female residents of the town to go to the former Palais de la Justice (Law Courts) where they will form a human chain.

The Brussels Times