Halle mayor blames Brussels for series of violent incidents

The city of Halle has announced extra security measures - including an increased police presence - after a series of incidents in the town centre, which its mayor has blamed on people from Brussels.

As part of the newly announced measures, police will be authorised to temporarily carry out targeted identity checks.

Authorities recorded 111 incidents in Halle town centre between 1 November and 20 January, including 27 incidents involving assault and battery. There were also several street fights, an attempted extortion and one person brandishing a fake weapon.

The police were able to apprehend several suspects and the investigation is continuing in several cases, but police and local authorities call the figures worrying and the mayor points to Brussels as the source of the issue.

“Brussels is a problem for the suburbs, for Flanders, and for the country,” Halle mayor Eva Demesmaeker (N-VA) said on social media, alleging that the violence is mainly caused by young people from Brussels.

“These are not minor incidents but serious forms of nuisance, violent theft, assault and battery, and sexual assault. Halle is not Brussels. And it shouldn’t become Brussels.”

Demesmaeker described Brussels’ policy as "lax" and "left-wing", while also criticising the ongoing lack of government in the capital.

In an elaborate metaphor comparing Brussels to "a lake full of oil" under which "the lights are going out" and "dark sludge is literally spreading", Demesmaeker warned that "if we don't take responsibility, we'll all soon be in the dark".

Under the temporary new measures, perpetrators of acts of violence or nuisance in Halle may be ordered to pay an on-the-spot fine, but in the event of serious or repeated offences, the mayor may also issue a restraining order.

Five effective restraining orders have already been issued for teenagers aged 13 to 16. Only one of them is a resident of Halle itself, the mayor added.