HIBAPRESS – Mohamed Zerriouh
The Belgian city of Antwerp witnessed a dramatic incident today, Friday, in front of the city hall, resulting in the arrest of prominent leaders of the far-right party "Vlaams Belang," Filip Dewinter and Anke Van dermeersch. This followed a fierce altercation and assault on a Moroccan-origin family who were present at the location to celebrate a wedding, according to the Belgian newspaper "Het Laatste Nieuws."
According to eyewitness accounts from the scene, the crisis erupted when politician Anke Van dermeersch—a former Miss Belgium known for her anti-Arab and anti-Muslim stances—began photographing members of the Moroccan family without their permission. This action provoked the anger and resentment of the family's young men, who immediately recognized the politicians and realized the racist motives behind the documentation and filming.
The incident did not stop at filming and verbal provocation but escalated dangerously when Van dermeersch physically assaulted the bride's mother, leading to a scuffle and jostling between the two parties in front of the city hall entrance. Security forces quickly intervened to break up the dispute and arrest the politicians for investigation into the circumstances of the assault.
In an attempt to justify his position and alter the narrative of events, Filip Dewinter posted on his social media accounts claiming he was attacked, stating: "Even in Antwerp city hall, as a municipal councilor for our party, you are no longer safe. A Moroccan mob gathered for a wedding and attacked me as I entered the building and chased me inside where I received painful blows."
Dewinter concluded his statement with a provocative tone embodying the party's right-wing ideology, describing the city in extremist terms, writing: "Antwerp has indeed become an occupied city, surrendered to migrants and foreigners who feel they are masters of this place." Belgian authorities continue their investigations to ascertain the full details of the incident and determine legal responsibilities.
