Protests in Brussels Escalate as Police Deploy Pepper Spray

ISTANBUL — October 24, 2026

Demonstrations in Brussels and Liège began peacefully on Saturday, but tensions later escalated in the Belgian capital, where police used pepper spray and protesters constructed a barricade, according to Belgian public broadcaster RTBF.

Around 300 people assembled at Mont des Arts in central Brussels around midday following calls from several organizations, including Front des Mères, École en Lutte and Jeunesse Organisée et Combative.

Protesters voiced opposition to alleged police violence and federal government reforms, including economic policies and measures affecting social welfare.

Although authorities had authorized the initial gathering, a spontaneous march toward the Marolles district and Brussels-South railway station had not received permission.

At approximately 2 pm local time, several young demonstrators crossed a police cordon. Officers subsequently deployed pepper spray on Chaussée de Forest in the Saint-Gilles district.

Near Porte de Hal, protesters built a barricade using shared electric scooters, bicycles, road signs and construction materials.

The unrest followed several days of misleading protest announcements circulating on TikTok and Instagram. The posts featured posters reportedly generated using artificial intelligence and called for demonstrations at various locations.

Despite the online calls, the morning remained calm at several of the sites mentioned. As a precaution, some businesses in central Brussels closed early and covered their windows with protective boards amid concerns about possible looting.

Meanwhile, the situation in Liège remained peaceful, with no comparable disturbances reported.