Brussels Police Investigate Officers Over Protest Misconduct

Brussels police have launched an internal investigation into possible misconduct by officers during recent demonstrations against education reforms in the capital, after videos circulated on social media showing officers displaying a prohibited extremist symbol, smoking a cigar while on duty, and making discriminatory remarks toward protesters.

The probe was announced by Victor Kanyanzira, spokesperson for Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS), and confirmed by multiple Belgian news outlets. According to VRT NWS, the Brussels police force confirmed it is internally analyzing the footage.

What the Videos Show

The videos, which emerged following days of protests by teachers, students, and unions against budget cuts in French-language education, capture several instances of alleged misconduct. One officer was seen wearing the “Deus Vult” (“God wills it”) symbol on their equipment — a crusader battle cry that has been adopted by far-right extremist groups and is classified as a prohibited symbol within Belgian police forces.

Another officer was filmed smoking a cigar while on duty. According to the mayor’s spokesperson, this individual may be a federal police officer. Additionally, officers were heard making discriminatory comments toward protesters, including transphobic and sexist insults. RTBF reported that the remarks included: “Are you a boy or a girl? Or maybe a chair today?”

Official Response

“That is unacceptable, an investigation is being opened. And as for the symbol, it is prohibited,” Kanyanzira told Le Soir, as reported by multiple outlets. Speaking to RTBF, he added: “The behavior of a tiny minority cannot discredit this extremely difficult profession and those who practice it with professionalism.”

RTL Info confirmed that the city of Brussels will open an investigation into its own officers, with the mayor’s office taking a firm stance on the matter.

Background: The Education Protests

The alleged misconduct occurred against the backdrop of major demonstrations against a controversial reform package in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, the French-speaking community of Belgium. As VRT NWS reported in its background coverage, the protests began in April 2026 after Education Minister Valérie Glatigny (MR) proposed €300 million in budget cuts to French-language education.

Key elements of the reform include requiring secondary school teachers to work two extra hours per week without additional pay, changes to the tenure system that would replace permanent appointments with indefinite contracts for new teachers from September 2027, increased university tuition fees of up to €1,200, and reduced investment in renovating aging school buildings.

On Thursday, June 4, a major protest saw demonstrators attempting to reach the Parliament of the French Community, resulting in clashes with police, fires being set, and 15 arrests. Tensions continued on Friday as the decree-program was voted on, with police intervention facing criticism. By Saturday, videos of alleged police misconduct began circulating on social media.

Broader Implications

The investigation raises questions about policing standards during demonstrations in Brussels and the presence of extremist symbols within law enforcement. The Human Rights League (Ligue des droits humains) has previously criticized police responses during protests as disproportionate, and this incident adds to ongoing debates about accountability mechanisms.

The swift response from Mayor Close’s office — a socialist (PS) administration — signals an effort to maintain public trust and distance the city from the actions of individual officers. However, the involvement of a potential federal police officer in the cigar incident suggests the investigation may extend beyond the municipal force.

What’s Next

The internal investigation will determine whether disciplinary measures are warranted against the officers involved. Questions remain about whether the federal police will launch their own inquiry regarding the officer reportedly smoking a cigar, and whether broader reforms will be implemented to prevent extremist symbols from appearing within police forces. The outcome could have lasting implications for how protests are policed in Brussels and for public confidence in law enforcement accountability.