Anti-terror raids conducted in Belgium
BRUSSELS — The Belgian government sought Sunday to contain criticism of its handling of the Brussels attacks, as investigators launched 13 anti-terror raids in the capital and two other cities, taking four more people in custody.
In central Brussels, riot police used a water cannon when scuffles broke out in front of the Bourse, which has become a symbolic rallying point for people to pay their respects to those who died in Tuesday’s suicide bombings. Black-clad men carrying an anti-Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant banner with an expletive on it held an agitated rally, but were pushed back by riot police.
Organizers cancelled a commemoration service planned for Sunday in Brussels at the request of Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon and Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur.
Jambon conceded Sunday that decades of neglect hampered the government’s response to violent extremism. He said the government has invested 600 million euros ($890 million Canadian) into police and security services over two years but Belgium’s justice system and security services are still lagging behind.
He also acknowledged some shortcomings prior to the March 22 suicide bombings that killed at least 31 people and wounded 270 others.
Federal prosecutors said Sunday morning’s raids were linked to a “federal case regarding terrorism” but did not specify whether it had any links to the March 22 attacks.
The 13 raids were launched in Brussels, Mechelen and Duffel. An investigating judge will decide later whether the four will remain in custody. Five were released after questioning.