After the attack - 2nd of April 2016
11 days after the Brussels attack, far-right protesters, including some from the Generation Identitaire movement wanted to demonstrate in Molenbeek district, in order to “clean” the area from jihadists... Even though demonstrations were banned at that time in the capital, some of these hooligans still showed up to protest.
Being aware of their arrival, a large number of youngsters from the Molenbeek district were uniting to hold a counter-rally against these troublemakers. They tried to reach La Bourse to face the far-right protesters, but at that time that the police blocked them passage.
Police and military forces established a large perimeter of security, blocking the main bridge that seperates Molenbeek from the core of the city center. As well as shutting down the Comte de Flandre metro station.
As a result, the youths clashed with the police and thirteen people were arrested that afternoon.
Youngsters running away after being attacked by anti-riot policemen.
During the counter-rally, some tensions also occurred among Molenbeek inhabitants.
Youngsters from Molenbeek trying to find a way to access the city center, with the controversial Police Officer Vandersmissen.
Anti-riot police blocking the main streets between Molenbeek and the city center.