The key facts
- 45 people detained, including 12 minors: 40 administrative and 5 judicial arrests
- About 50 protesters launched fireworks toward the Palace of the Prince-Bishops; police used a water cannon and tear gas
- The day began with a peaceful gathering of 200–250 people at the Guillemins station around 10:00
Detentions and unrest in Liège
Belgian police detained 45 people during protests in Liège on Saturday, the Belga agency reported, citing an updated police statement. According to the agency, the detentions included 40 administrative and five judicial ones. Among those detained were 12 minors. Police also reported vandalism and fires in public places on Saturday evening.
Course of the action
The day began with a peaceful gathering of 200–250 people at the Guillemins railway station around 10 a.m. The demonstrators marched to Place Saint-Lambert, where a sit-in blocked bus traffic, and around 1:15 p.m. moved to Le Cadran. According to Belga, protesters blocked several roads in the area, including access to the motorway toward Burenville, and some moved barriers to build barricades.
Clashes in the evening
Later in the day, according to the agency, about 30 protesters were surrounded by no fewer than police officers in special gear on Place Saint-Lambert. In the evening, about 50 participants of the action gathered on Place Saint-Lambert and launched pyrotechnic flares toward the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, police said. A water cannon and tear gas were used to disperse the group. According to police, by evening calm, it seemed, had returned to the city.
