Violence flared on the streets of Brussels on Thursday as a major demonstration by farmers descended into chaos, with shocking video footage capturing police officers repeatedly beating a fallen protester.
Protest Turns Violent Outside EU Parliament
The demonstration, held outside the European Parliament, was organised to voice strong opposition to proposed reforms of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and upcoming trade agreements. What began as a mass gathering of agricultural workers quickly escalated when a faction of demonstrators started smashing windows near the parliament building.
This act of vandalism prompted a swift and forceful response from Belgian riot police, who charged the crowd to regain control. The situation deteriorated rapidly, leading to several violent confrontations between law enforcement and protesters.
Disturbing Footage of Police Conduct
The most alarming incident was captured on video and has since circulated widely. The footage clearly shows one protester falling to the ground during the melee. While he is down and seemingly defenceless, multiple police officers are seen surrounding him and delivering repeated blows, including kicks.
This graphic evidence has raised immediate and serious questions about the proportionality of the police response during the civil unrest. The incident is likely to trigger formal complaints and internal investigations into the conduct of the officers involved.
Roots of the Discontent
The farmers' anger is directed at Brussels policymakers. Their primary grievances centre on two key issues: ongoing reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy, which they argue imposes unsustainable burdens and reduces competitiveness, and proposed new international trade deals that they fear will flood the EU market with cheaper imports, undercutting local producers.
Thursday's events mark a significant and troubling intensification in the long-running dispute between the European agricultural sector and the EU institutions. The use of such visible force against protesters is expected to further inflame tensions and harden positions on both sides.
The fallout from this violent clash is only just beginning. Expect calls for accountability regarding the police actions and renewed, urgent debate on the future of European farming policy as the bloc grapples with balancing economic, environmental, and social demands.
