'%20id='ico-down'%20stroke='%23000000'%20stroke-width='1.5'%3e%3cg%20transform='translate(1092.250000,%20254.750000)'%3e%3cpolyline%20id='Path-2-Copy-4'%20transform='translate(5.500000,%202.750000)%20scale(1,%20-1)%20rotate(-180.000000)%20translate(-5.500000,%20-2.750000)%20'%20points='0%200%205.5%205.5%2011%200'%3e%3c/polyline%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
The operation targeting the Upper House of the Belgian Parliament looks like forming part on a global day of action.
Thursday is the big demo against the government’s austerity programme. There are worries that a group of demonstrators representing the hackers’ collective could break through the security cordon.
The Senate authorities have written to senators and Senate staff.
“The Military Commander of the Palace of the Nation reports that there are strong indications that a group of protesters will try to access Parliament using violence.”
The Senate authorities are taking their precautions. The Senate gates will be closed from a certain time and visitors will have to provide legitimisation.
The alert is being linked to the “Million Mask March” international protest. Actions are being posted on a facebook page. As yet there is no listing for an event at the Parliament building.
The Senate is not planning any changes to its work schedule. Lawmaker Pol Van Den Driessche told the daily De Standaard: “I’ve never experienced any attempt to invade Parliament. Street violence should never be allowed into Parliament. This is where the representatives of the people must be able to do their work. Otherwise the heart of democracy is being attacked.”
Flandersnews.be / Expatica