The self-proclaimed “freedom convoy” group joins Brussels this morning. The police monitor the entrances to the capital and the highways. Several dozen motorhomes are already parked in Heysel car park C.
Traffic jams are expected due to the self-proclaimed “freedom” convoy. The latter intends to demonstrate Monday in Brussels against the measures introduced to stem the coronavirus pandemic. The participants, coming in others from France, are redirected to parking C of Brussels Expo, on the Heysel plateau, the only place where a static action is tolerated. As a reminder, the authorities have banned all motorized demonstrations. About 30 vehicles gathered there peacefully, according to the police. The police have meanwhile reported “small groups” of protesters on the highways towards Brussels.
The E40 temporarily blocked towards Reyers
The E40 motorway coming from Leuven and in the direction of Reyers was announced as being closed by the Brussels-Capital police on Twitter around 7am. Around 9 a.m., our journalist Guillaume Fraikin noted that the blockage seemed to have been lifted.
Other expected concerns: police roadblocks slow down traffic
The police monitor the entrances to Brussels. Since early this morning, filter barriers have been installed by the police. Our reporter Guillaume Fraikin, present this morning avenue Emile Vandevelde where a filter dam is installed, reports that the vehicles are scrutinized one by one by the officers. Their main target: French license plates and vehicles showing their support for the convoy.
Protesters present on motorway rest areas
Our reporters Olivia François and Emmanuel Tallarico were present at the Besonrieux motorway rest area (E19 Brussels-Mons) early this morning. They noticed the presence of a few vehicles and tents very early on, but they all left in small groups, thwarting the police checkpoint at the exit of the area. According to the police, there were hundreds of them last night, and they left the scene bit by bit during the night. They remained very vague as to their intentions. “Playful but determined protesters”according to our journalist.
Finally, it should be noted that Brussels Airport recommends that travelers take their precautions if they have a plane to catch on Monday.
