Hypnotist's Belgian show banned under 1892 law

A Belgian law on hypnotism dating back to 1892 has been used to ban a Canadian performer from putting on a show in Wallonia.

Quebec hypnotist Messmer, who has performed since the 1990s, was due on stage in Colfontaine, near the French border, on Wednesday night.

The Mons public prosecutor banned the performance citing a law on public hypnotism performances from 30 May 1892.

Show organisers say the 1,500 ticketholders can apply for a refund. "We don't understand because Messmer came to do a show with us last autumn and everything was fine," a spokesman said.

"The local police chief told me that if I went ahead with the show, they would come to the theatre and order everyone to leave."