A group of twenty demonstrators held a rally to challenge the local authorities on the severity of the situation in the Northern Quarter. This de facto association of inhabitants is concerned about the increasing thefts, assaults, and trafficking that have made life in the area unbearable.
The association’s spokesperson, Thierry Balsat, explained that the local police force is struggling to combat the criminality due to a lack of resources. The group has drawn up a list of demands, including the provision of additional human resources for the Brussels North police zone, the establishment of an emergency hotline, and an increased police presence.
The association wishes to collaborate with the police and emphasizes that they are not against them. However, they remain firm in their position and will organize a blockade of the neighborhood if their demands are not met within two weeks.
A Brussels North police spokeswoman assured that they are investing a lot in the district and have the support of the authorities to continue to recruit. However, they would welcome additional support to combat the increasing criminality.
The twenty demonstrators wanted to challenge the federal and municipal authorities on the seriousness of the situation; thefts, assaults and trafficking have made life untenable.
The de facto association of inhabitants of the Northern Quarter, organizer of the rally, denounces the impunity of traffickers, criminals and organized gangs against whom a local police force “poor for lack of human resources” is facing. “Today, we really want to launch an SOS”, explains its spokesperson, Thierry Balsat. “The northern district has become a lawless zone.”
The association has drawn up a list of demands, among which is, among other things, the provision of more additional human resources for the Brussels North police zone, in particular by calling on the national reserve. It also calls for an increased presence of law enforcement on the ground, the establishment of an emergency hotline accessible 24 hours a day, and more communication and awareness-raising on the issues raised. She expresses her desire to work with the police. “We let it be known that we were not against them, but with them”, maintains Mr. Balsat. But the position of the inhabitants of the Northern Quarter remains firm. “If we are not heard in a fortnight, we will organize a blockade of the neighborhood,” he says.
“The police are investing a lot in this district,” said a Brussels North police spokeswoman. Faced with the citizen’s request to increase the police presence in the district, this is intended to be reassuring. “We really have the support of our authorities to continue to recruit”. Before adding: “but like any police area, if we could have a little more we would be very happy”.
The situation in the Northern Quarter of Brussels remains tense and unresolved. The citizens have voiced their demands and concerns, but it remains to be seen how the federal and municipal authorities will address them. The de facto association of inhabitants must be commended for their peaceful demonstration and their willingness to work with the police. It is our hope that their demands will be met soon so that the Northern Quarter can regain its reputation as a safe and peaceful neighborhood. The authorities must act swiftly and decisively to address the issues raised by the citizens, lest the situation escalate further.