Police refuse deportations on foreign airlines

7 September 2005

BRUSSELS — Federal police at Zaventem Airport are refusing to deport illegal immigrants on any airline other than SN Brussels.

The refusal comes after a deportation attempt turned violent on a Congolese plane last Sunday. Police are also threatening strike action.

A woman was being deported from Zaventem Airport in Brussels on Sunday after she arrived from the Congo without correct travel documents.

However, a Belgian police officer allegedly assaulted a pilot of the Congolese airline HBA when he protested against the way the woman was being treated.

The woman was allegedly hit by a police officer, but police have denied the claim, newspaper ‘De Standaard’ reported on Wednesday.

In turn, HBA is accused of failing to provide security guards to ensure that the deportation ran smoothly, broadcaster VRT said.

The airline said when attempts were made to fasten the woman into her seat, the pilot refused to depart with a passenger “who was being treated as an animal”.

Police unions are requesting clearer guidelines on deportations and Interior Minister Patrick Dewael hopes to avert the strike with negotiations next week.

Subject: Belgian news