Thousands of young people gathered at April Fool's Day in Brussels park for a party in defiance of Belgium's COVID-19 lockdown.
People assemble for a fake concert dubbed "La Boum", although the organizers announced on social media that it was an April Fool's Day prank.
Police used teargas and water cannons on Thursday (April 1) to disperse the crowd. Many in the crowd chant their fists "freedom" while some throws bottles and stones at the water cannon trucks.
Crazy scenes in Brussels. My colleagues and I were tear gassed while interviewing this guy who tells us while might be the wrong way to go about things, everyone needs to communicate. Meanwhile a fire built by partygoers rages behind him... pic.twitter.com/ASCvoEJoVb
— Rosie Birchard (@rosiex_) April 1, 2021
"We are all depressed. I'll be 18 in two weeks, we want to take advantage of our youth," high school student Amelie, who had come for the party, told Reuters.
"We came not to annoy the police, but to show that we also have a life and want to enjoy it."
Reuters reporters at the scene said at least two civilians were injured in clashes, including one woman who was knocked over by a police horse.
A police spokeswoman said three policemen were injured and four people were arrested.
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