Secretary of State closes asylum counter after violent incident
The Secretary of State responsible for asylum and migration Theo Francken (Flemish nationalist) ordered the closure of the counter at the Aliens’ Office where would-be asylum-seekers can file their asylum requests. The decision came after a violent incident at the office that is located near to Brussels North Station.
The counter re-opened after an hour, but only for families wishing to apply for asylum.
Mr Francken spoke of “aggression and violence” in which an employee of the Aliens Office was hit. I gave the instruction to close the counter until further notice”
The incident happened shortly after opening time. The victim was not hospitalized. The Aliens Office requested the assistance of the Brussels Local Police service and the counter was closed temporarily.
The Head of the Aliens’ Office Freddy Roosemont says that the counter reopened after an honour, but only for families that wish to ask for asylum.