Kayaking Brussels police in drunken brawl with teenagers

Police from the Brussels-West police division (Molenbeek, Berchem-Saint-Agathe, Ganshoren, Jette and Koekelberg) are in the news again, following a drunken fight with Brussels schoolchildren.

On 1 June, the police were on a kayaking trip down the Lesse river near Dinant. According to Sudinfo, the situation degenerated when the officers, who had all been drinking, met a group of about 40 teenagers, aged 14-16, on a trip from a secondary school in Molenbeek.

For a reason not yet established, the tone rose between the police and the young people. Remarks of a racist nature were said to have been made by the police.

The scene turned nasty, and a general fight broke out. Even paddles were used. Nine police officers were injured, four of them seriously.

Reports for assault and injuries have been drawn up and a judicial file has been sent to the Namur public prosecutor’s office. A spokesperson for Brussels-West police has also confirmed receiving an incident report.

The Brussels-West police division made headlines in December 2020 when several officers were cautioned, and some fined, for organising a festive raclette party at the height of the coronavirus lockdown, without respecting social distancing measures. A chief inspector, the unit head on duty that day, was suspended.