Eleven arrested for violence, damage to property during strike in Belgium

Eleven people were arrested in Belgium on Thursday over demonstrations held earlier in November which turned violent.

Police made the arrests in several towns across the country including Antwerp, Brussels, and Namur.

Suspects were arrested on charges of assaulting police officers during a labor reform protest that took place on Nov. 6 in the country.

Police also made 13 arrests in the capital city of Brussels immediately following the Nov. 6 clashes between police and protesters.

The following day, the Brussels city mayor, Yvan Mayeur, claimed that 100 police officers had been injured during violent scenes in the city centre.

Police in Brussels unleashed tear gas and water cannons on protesters when a day-long protest over the proposed economic reforms of the new government turned violent. Violence also erupted in the city of Antwerp.

Following the Thursday arrests, Brussels public prosecutor Jean-Marc Meilleur defended the role of the police in the protests.

"The police are not punching bags and their work deserves respect, especially in the context of social tensions," he was quoted in Le Soir as saying.

Four of those arrested have been detained on suspicion of participating in acts of rebellion with aggravating circumstances, while another seven have been charged with possession of an illegal weapon. One has been charged with damaging property.

Additional strikes are scheduled throughout the month, including a national rail strike on Nov. 24 and a general country- wide strike on Dec. 15. Enditem