Protestors detained during Reclaim the Night march

Police detained and carried out identity checks on 138 people taking part in a march in central Brussels on Saturday evening, after marchers allegedly vandalised a car and buildings. Organisers say trouble broke out after the group were subject to aggression by police in plain clothes.

The march was organised by the Reclaim the Night movement, in protest at sexual violence. The torchlight parade – advertised as a protest in favour of “insurrectional, intersectional, inclusive and pro-choice feminism” – left Kunstberg at about 20.00 and moved towards the city centre.

Trouble broke out when they reached Rue du Chêne, near the Manneken Pis, about half an hour later. The marchers said they were blocked by police; police say some of the marchers had vandalised property. The procession was surrounded by uniformed officers and confined in Lievevrouwbroersstraat.

“As it was impossible to make contact with the organisers, we had no idea who we were dealing with,” a police spokesperson said. “There is now an ongoing investigation to find out who exactly is responsible for the damage.”

Photo: Anne Löwenthal/Facebook