Brussels police investigated after officers display crusader symbol and hurl insults at education protest
An internal investigation has been launched into the behaviour of Brussels police officers after images circulated online showing them wearing a banned far-right symbol and directing transphobic insults at demonstrators protesting French-speaking education reforms.
Images trigger investigation
Several photos and videos from recent demonstrations in Brussels against reforms to French-speaking education have prompted an internal police investigation. The images, which circulated widely on social media, show officers displaying a prohibited symbol and making inappropriate remarks. The protests were against the adoption of the so-called "décret-programme 2", a reform package for French-speaking education.
What the footage shows
In one compilation of videos published by the radical left activist channel Bruxelles Dévie, an officer is seen wearing the "Deus Vult" symbol on his equipment. The phrase, meaning "God wills it" and historically a crusader battle cry, is also used in far-right extremist circles. Another officer is seen smoking a cigar, while others are heard directing insults at protesters. One remark captured on video asks a demonstrator, "Are you a boy or a girl? Or maybe a chair today?"
Official response
Victor Kanyanzira, spokesperson for Brussels mayor Philippe Close, called the behaviour unacceptable and confirmed an investigation will be opened. He noted that the symbol is forbidden. Kanyanzira specified that the officer seen smoking a cigar is believed to be a federal police officer, while the other visible actions involved local police. The Brussels police confirmed to VRT NWS that they are analysing the images internally.
That is unacceptable, an investigation will be opened. And as for the symbol, it is forbidden.
Broader protest context
The demonstrations took place over several days in Brussels, with teachers and students rallying against the education reforms. Kanyanzira added that authorities seized a large canister of petrol from a group of young people who intended to set fire to the city centre, but that overall tension had subsided on the day of his statement.
We also seized a large canister of petrol from a group of young people who wanted to set fire to the city centre, but overall the tension has subsided today.
