Brussels Bans Vlaams Belang Rally to Maintain Public Order

The City of Brussels in Belgium has decided to forbid a planned rally by the far-right Vlaams Belang party, which was scheduled to take place on Monday, May 28. Vlaams Belang has expressed its opposition to the ban and intends to contest it through legal means. The party’s leader, Tom Van Grieken, had organized a walk from Ostend to Brussels with the slogan “Make them listen!” spanning May 19 to May 29. The objective of this walk was to engage with potential voters, culminating in a protest near Central Station.

The office of Brussels Mayor Philippe Close justified the ban by citing a police analysis that concluded it would not be possible to ensure the smooth operation of both the Vlaams Belang rally and a counter-demonstration. Consequently, the counter-demonstration has also been prohibited.

Vlaams Belang responded by announcing their intention to challenge the decision legally and take the matter to the Council of State in hopes of overturning the ban. Tom Van Grieken also criticized it as a violation of freedom of expression, claiming that the decision was politically motivated and lacked credibility.

Brussels Bans Far-Right Rally

The City of Brussels takes a firm stance by forbidding a planned rally organized by the far-right Vlaams Belang party. The decision has sparked opposition and legal challenges from Vlaams Belang, who claim it infringes upon freedom of expression.

 Security Concerns Lead to Ban

The ban on the Vlaams Belang rally and a counter-demonstration stems from concerns over security and the inability to guarantee the smooth running of both events. Brussels Mayor Philippe Close cites a police analysis to justify the decision, which Vlaams Belang contests and plans to challenge through legal channels