Brussels Firefighters Face Discipline Over Racist Social Media Posts About COVID-19

It all started with a publication on Facebook about the daily figures on the coronavirus, reports RTBF. In his message, a young Brussels firefighter questioned the infections in three municipalities of Brussels: "It’s still strange that the 3 municipalities where the most positive cases are counted in Brussels (+/- 4800/municipality) are Anderlecht, Molenbeek, Schaerbeek..."

In reaction to the statement of his colleague, an ambulance driver, a member of SIAMU reacted slyly: "I know why and I hope the deaths will be more numerous there". Questioned by these reactions, a municipal councilor of Molenbeek, Jamal Ikazban, and a Brussels deputy, was outraged on the same social network. "A firefighter who hopes for many deaths in the municipalities of Molenbeek, Anderlecht and Schaerbeek. It is not only unacceptable but totally unworthy of the fire brigade #SIAMU! An interpellation will be filed!", promised the Brussels elected official on Facebook.

According to SIAMU, these remarks are "unacceptable". It has also announced the opening of a disciplinary procedure against this (these) firefighter(s).