Scores of cars and furniture were set alight late Thursday as Brussels experienced New Year’s Eve unrest despite being under strict coronavirus restrictions.
Brussels emergency services received over 70 calls for burning furniture or vehicles in the streets between 6 p.m. and midnight, according to local press.
The police made around 154 arrests, and broke up six “lockdown parties.” They also had to make around 50 firework-related interventions despite a region-wide ban on the sale of pyrotechnic products.
Despite the unrest, Le Soir noted relatively few violations of coronavirus lockdown restrictions. The city’s rules limit social contact indoors to one person and to only four people outdoors.
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close praised the city’s law enforcement authorities.
“Bravo to the unified command which made it possible to organize New Year’s Eve in Bxl,” the mayor tweeted. “The 6 police zones, the federal police, the fire brigade and the medical services were coordinated from the regional crisis center. Thank you for the good cooperation and happy new year everyone.”
The city had jettisoned its traditional fireworks display, and held a light show at the Atomium instead.