In Ghent, some 50 pro-Palestinian activists occupied several lanes of the Ghent orbital under the Ledeberg fly-over during the morning rush hour. They are demanding that Belgium cut all ties with Israel. Police diverted traffic and are present at the scene en masse to arrest the activists if they persist in their protest. Some 15 protesters blocked the road chaining themselves in position.
Home News
Pro-Palestinian activists occupy Ghent city ring road(VIDEO)
Colin Clapson
Published:
Updated:
The activists have handed out a press release, "Belgium is complicit in an heinous occupation and mass murder. Financial support, arms production and political indifference mean Belgium is anything but neutral. If the world does not stop for Palestine, we will stop the world.”
The protesters want our country to cut all ties with Israel and demand "the withdrawal of all forms of support, funding and cooperation". They are also demanding "the recognition of the Palestinian territorries and the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, including the right of return".
Huge police force at the scene
Police are at the scene en masse. “We tolerated the protest for a while, but now we are preparing to evacuate the protesters,’"says police spokesperson Clio Van Peteghem. 15 activists have formed a human chain across the road. They are linked by chains. Special intervention vans are at the ready”.
Around 40 activists were detained. Mayor Mathias De Clercq has already deplored the protest. "This is a malicious obstruction of the traffic and creates traffic unsafety in our city. Protests are allowed, but not at the expense of our society.’
Activists also risk a €350 nuisance fine.