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100 arrested at anti-migration march in EU district

21:17 16/12/2018

Police used tear gas and water cannon on Sunday to stop protestors who tried to enter the Berlaymont during a demonstration against Belgium signing the UN's pact on migration.

The march, from Brussels Central station to Schuman roundabout, attracted 5,500 people according to police estimates, many from Flemish far-right groups.

"We are already invaded," one participant told RTBF. "We want to keep our continent prosperous for our children and our grandchildren."

About 100 people were arrested at the end of the demonstration. Three protestors face prosecution for vandalising the European Commission's headquarters.

Meanwhile, a counter-demonstration in support of the migration pact attracted about 1,000 people near Brussels North station.

Brussels mayor Philippe Close said: "Police have been very busy this weekend and have taken a lot of personal time off, to ensure public safety in the capital. When we ask for reinforcements, it's for a good reason."

A third "yellow vests" protest in Brussels on Saturday attracted 400 to 500 people, according to police. No major incidents were reported.

Photo: Jonas Roosen/Belga

Written by The Bulletin