A group of twenty demonstrators wanted to challenge authorities on the severity of the situation in the Northern Quarter, where thefts, assaults, and trafficking have made life difficult. The de facto association of inhabitants of the Northern Quarter, who organized the rally, condemned the impunity of traffickers, criminals, and organized gangs, once morest which the local police force is struggling because of a lack of resources. The association presented a list of demands, including increased resources for the Brussels North police zone and an emergency hotline accessible 24/7. They also expressed a desire to work with the police. If their demands are not met within two weeks, they will organize a neighborhood blockade. The Brussels North police reported that they are investing a lot in the district and have the support of authorities to continue recruiting. However, they admit that more resources would be helpful.
The twenty demonstrators wanted to challenge the federal and municipal authorities on the seriousness of the situation; thefts, assaults and trafficking have made life untenable.
The de facto association of inhabitants of the Northern Quarter, organizer of the rally, denounces the impunity of traffickers, criminals and organized gangs once morest whom a local police force “poor for lack of human resources” is facing. “Today, we really want to launch an SOS”, explains its spokesperson, Thierry Balsat. “The northern district has become a lawless zone.”
The association has drawn up a list of demands, among which is, among other things, the provision of more additional human resources for the Brussels North police zone, in particular by calling on the national reserve. It also calls for an increased presence of law enforcement on the ground, the establishment of an emergency hotline accessible 24 hours a day, and more communication and awareness-raising on the issues raised. She expresses her desire to work with the police. “We let it be known that we were not once morest them, but with them”, maintains Mr. Balsat. But the position of the inhabitants of the Northern Quarter remains firm. “If we are not heard in a fortnight, we will organize a blockade of the neighborhood,” he says.
“The police are investing a lot in this district,” said a Brussels North police spokeswoman. Faced with the citizen’s request to increase the police presence in the district, this is intended to be reassuring. “We really have the support of our authorities to continue to recruit”. Before adding: “but like any police area, if we might have a little more we would be very happy”.
The situation in the Northern Quarter of Brussels is dire and the residents are demanding action. The de facto association of inhabitants has put forth reasonable demands, including additional resources for the local police force, increased law enforcement presence, and an emergency hotline accessible 24/7. The residents express their willingness to work with the police, but if their demands are not met within two weeks, they will organize a blockade of the neighborhood. It is reassuring to hear that the Brussels North police is investing in the district and has the support of the authorities. However, more resources would be greatly appreciated. Let us hope that a solution can be found before it is too late.
