Belgian Police Investigate Racist Chants at Ostend Protest March

Although banned by the mayor of Ostend, who had deployed 120 police officers to prevent an escalation, the demonstration ultimately took place peacefully, reports Belga. However, social media showed some of the 300 protesters chanting racist slogans such as "Muslims, parasites".

"Our men have arrested the protesters in this regard. The other protesters also urged them to stop," said police chief Philip Caestecker.

Bart Tommelein says he will fully cooperate with the investigation and condemns the racist statements. "I disapprove of this kind of hateful slogans. Several complaints have been filed with Unia, who has already let us know that it will constitute a civil party. We will make all our resources available for the investigation," assures the mayor of Ostend.