Brussels: Police confronted by fire and fireworks during protests

King Philippe of Belgium, 60, was reportedly caught up in protests that erupted in capital on Wednesday evening following the death of a young black man in police custody. According to reports, stones were thrown at the royal’s vehicle as it passed by hundreds of demonstrators.

According to the Royal Palace, the king was inside the car but never in a dangerous situation.

Up to 300 protestors flocked to downtown Brussels to demonstrate following the death of a 23-year-old black man, who has been officially identified by just the initials ‘I.B’, in police custody on Saturday night.

Some of the protesters carried Black Lives Matter signs as they called for the authorities to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

While the demonstration was mostly peaceful some protesters threw objects at police officers and set fires in the street.

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Social media footage appeared to show some protesters attempt to set light to a police station.

On Wednesday, the Brussels prosecutor’s office requested the appointment of an investigative judge to look into the circumstances that led to the man’s death.

According to the prosecutor’s office, I.B. was arrested after he allegedly tried to run away from police officers checking a group of people gathered in downtown Brussels despite COVID-19 measures restricting social gatherings.

The office said he was taken to a police station where he fainted and then transferred to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Who is King Phillipe of Belgium?

King Phillipe is the presiding sovereign of Belgium.

He is the eldest child of King Albert II and Queen Paola.

He came to the throne on July 12, 2013, after his father abdicated for health reasons.

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He is married to Queen Mathilde, 47, and the couple have four children.

Where does King Phillipe live?

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the King’s administrative residence and main office.

The King receives the representatives of political institutions, foreign guests (heads of state, ambassadors) and other guests at his Brussels office.

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