Belgium releases minors involved in Brussels riots due to lack of detention space

Following recent protests in Brussels, sixteen minors were released despite involvement in violent incidents. The unrest, which included the destruction of bus shelters and the burning of vehicles, saw several individuals targeted by authorities for throwing stones, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails at police.

In several cases, the Brussels prosecutor's office requested placement in closed juvenile institutions, a move supported by juvenile judges who deemed such measures necessary. However, due to a lack of available capacity in detention facilities, the minors were sent home instead of being placed in secure settings. One sixteen-year-old was apprehended with seven ready-to-use Molotov cocktails.