BELGIUM: MIGRANTS REVOLT

Another week, another dramatic revolt against detention and deportation from the most mistreated sector of western society.

Migrants imprisoned in Belgium’s Steenokkerzeel 123 Bis detention centre rebelled on Sunday (20th), resulting in one wing of the building going up in flames, a rooftop occupation, and - for one - an oppotunistic break for freedom. Some of the sans papiers even threatened to hang themselves with bedding from their cell windows.

Unrest in the centre had been brewing for several days prior to the revolt. Many detainees had been on hunger strike in protest against the treatment of an 18-year-old Egyptian man, who had been held in solitary confinement and beaten by guards. Solidarity group Voices Without Borders demonstrated outside the centre as it burned, while police shut down the whole local area. Most of the migrants have now been moved to other detention centres.