Student protests in Belgium’s Liege became violent Tuesday as hundreds demonstrated against education policies and higher public transport fares, with clashes, fires and property damage reported across the city.
Local media reported that some protesters smashed windows at the Royal Athenaeum of Liege 1 and set a garbage container on fire. Riot police and a water cannon were deployed in response.
The demonstration later divided into several groups, with protesters gathering near Liege-Guillemins railway station, Fragnee Bridge and Saint-Lambert Square. Several businesses, including the Saint-Lambert shopping center, temporarily closed because of the unrest.
Firecrackers and fireworks were also used in different parts of the city. Police fired tear gas and used a water cannon after garbage bins and scooters were set ablaze between Saint-Lambert Square and the Opera House.
The unrest caused major traffic disruptions in central Liege.
According to the Liege Public Prosecutor’s Office, 33 people had been placed under administrative arrest and another 20 under judicial arrest since Oct. 1. Among those detained were 17 minors. Authorities also said 12 people had been brought before the courthouse.
The prosecutor’s office reported that 22 police officers were injured during incidents on Monday.
A 13-year-old boy was brought before a juvenile court after allegedly using social media to encourage others to burn down a school with fuel containers.
Defense Minister Calls For National Service
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken condemned the violence, accusing teenagers of damaging schools and attacking teachers and police.
Francken again supported restoring national service, saying it could involve civilian roles in sectors such as healthcare and education rather than being restricted to military duties.
He also criticized TikTok, claiming the platform contributes to destabilizing Western societies and calling for it to be banned.
The Belgian protests came as high school students in France continued blocking school entrances and holding demonstrations demanding improved educational conditions.
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