Victim of stabbing at pro-Palestinian demo in Brussels out of danger, suspect arrested (VIDEO)

At 2PM, dozens of people gathered for a march that started in the centre of the Brussels municipality of Molenbeek. ‘The event was approved by the municipality,’ one participant, who didn’t want to be identified, explained. ‘The march called for sanctions against Israel and an end to the colonisation of the West Bank.’

Around 6.15PM, things started to go wrong. ‘Our teams intervened following a stabbing that took place during a demonstration,’ Ilse Van de Keere, spokesperson for City of Brussels/Elsene police said in an official statement.

The victim of the stabbing was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but is now out of danger. According to Van de Keere a suspect was arrested: ‘The exact circumstances of the incident have yet to be determined.’

Brussels prosecutors have opened an investigation into attempted manslaughter. Forensic technicians have attended the scene and CCTV footage is being examined to determine the true nature of the incident. Prosecutors have confirmed the stabbing took place during the demo and are investigating whether or not there is a link.

According to a protester who was present at the time of the stabbing, the victim is from Gaza, and the stabbing took place ‘without provocation or prior discussion.’ ‘I suddenly heard a commotion 10 metres behind me and saw an adult man with a knife in his hand running away. He was immediately pursued by several witnesses, who were able to identify him to the police,’ he said. ‘None of the protesters knew him. He had suddenly mingled with the crowd.’ Police have been unable to confirm this account.

In an Instagram story, the organisation Bruxelles Intifada posts ‘that an unknown person, who had nothing to do with the event, mingled with the crowd and attacked a demonstrator’. ‘We regret this attack,’ the organisation says. Another source told VRT News that the suspect had also participated in the march.

The scene after the event