Two journalists expelled from US party in Cinquantenaire

Two journalists attending the American anniversary celebration in Cinquantenaire park on Sunday were removed on the orders of the US embassy despite showing their press passes and formal prior registration.

“The protocol service reported threatening behaviour by two individuals towards the ambassador,” police said of the incident.

“At the request of the embassy’s protocol department, we escorted them outside the perimeter to leave the premises.”

The journalists were from The European Correspondent.

“We had received a press invitation to the US ambassador’s reception. I had attended embassy events in the past and we both hold European press card,” Julius Fintelmann, editor-in-chief of The European Correspondent, told Bruzz.

The press card was not requested during registration for the event, so the journalists went through the normal registration procedure.

“We did, however, immediately identify ourselves as journalists as soon as we approached the US ambassador for an interview,” Fintelmann said, adding that he intends to raise the issue with the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ).

US ambassador Bill White initially appeared to agree to this, according to their video footage.

“He shook my colleague’s hand and allowed us to film him,” said Fintelmann.

The journalists asked whether it was true that White had sent an email in his own name to an American citizen in Brussels, cc-ing the Belgian police, after they had asked country singer Zac Brown not to perform at the American celebration. The online media outlet claims to have evidence of these emails, which they describe as threatening.

“He did not reply to that. His press officer intervened immediately and they walked away,” said Fintelmann.

Just under half an hour later, the journalists were taken aside by eight plain-clothes police officers.

“They asked us to follow them, checked our identities and questioned us for a quarter of an hour. They kept asking whether our media outlet was politically motivated,” Fintelmann said.

“Eventually, the officers realised we were genuine journalists, but the embassy staff told them we still had to leave. That’s not illegal. After all, it was a private event under their management. I do think it’s unethical, though.”

The European Correspondent was founded in 2022 and reports on stories from across Europe, with its headquarters in Brussels. The non-profit organisation is funded by donations, advertising and European grants.

The US celebration had been controversial since its inception because, among other reasons, it entailed closing down the large public park for a private event.

Shops and restaurants around the park were forced to close for days because of the security operation around the event.

The party was organised by a private company called Freedom 250, The European Correspondent reports. Dozens of European and American companies contributed about €3 million to it.

Wilkins was allowed to sing the American national anthem a second time after her first attempt went awry due to problems with the microphones.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA) made a speech and a video message from President Trump was played. There was also a fly-past by seven historic aircraft, including a Spitfire.

While attendance counts varied, 5,000 to 8,000 guests were expected and those present included mainly officials working in embassies and institutions, as well as sponsors and big companies.