Molenbeek is new tourist hotspot

Molenbeek is more popular than ever, writes De Morgen. Not only the federal police have been visiting the Brussels commune over the past few weeks, but a number of curious Belgians and foreigners as well. The new flood of tourists are interested in learning more about the place where accused terrorists like Salah Abdeslam got their start, according to the newspaper.

Guided tours of Molenbeek are fully booked since shortly after the commune was labelled a 'hotbed of jihadism' by numerous international media following the 13 November terror attacks in Paris. Since then, groups of about 40 people have been taking part in a tour of Molenbeek every Saturday.

"People's curiosity about Molenbeek is growing, and that's good because it gives us a chance to show that it is so much more than Salah Abdeslam, rioting youths and poverty. There are also some very nice things happening here," says Molenbeek expert Hans Vandecandelaere.