200 arrested at Brussels protest against COVID restrictions

Brussels, January 31 (RHC)-- In Brussels, police arrested around 200 protesters at a non-authorized demonstration against measures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19 on Sunday.

According to Belgian media, the demonstrators were arrested for trying to join a protest against restrictive measures implemented in the country in order to fight the virus, such as a 9 pm curfew or the closing of bars and restaurants.  Brussels police said on Twitter that the gathering ended peacefully, with most participants free to go. The wearing of protective masks is compulsory in Belgium.

A night-time curfew and shopping restrictions are in place, and a ban on all nonessential travel was introduced until at least March, limiting movement ahead of next month's school vacations.  Belgium has had one of Europe's worst outbreaks.  The nation of 11 million has seen over 20,800 confirmed virus deaths.