A lot of frenzied revelry, although some young people did seek confrontation with the police again and stones and fireworks were thrown, reports our reporter on site in the center of Brussels. Police deployed tear gas and water cannons. Especially around Lemonnier and South it was very restless and it came to a targeted charge from the police.
However, volunteers had once again made a human chain to prevent disturbances. The Brussels police had also closed access to Winter Wonders for supporters. “It was a big party at first. People then quietly started to go home and then a small hard core was left that started throwing things in the streets,” says VRT journalist Gitte Van Hoyweghen.
Around 8 p.m., peace seems to have returned somewhat. “It went much better than last time,” says Bart Van de Ven, one of the volunteers who formed a human chain. “I think it was a bit calmer from the beginning. And the citizens who mobilized were much better organized and visible with fluorescent vests. That helped.” The police have administratively arrested a dozen troublemakers. There is no significant damage, it sounds.
