Two journalists removed from US party in Cinquantenaire Park

Two journalists from the European Correspondent were removed from an American independence celebration held at Brussels’ Cinquantenaire Park on Sunday 28 June, according to accounts reported by The Brussels Times.

Journalist Samuel Dempsey said he approached US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White within the park to introduce himself and ask a question as White moved from the VIP area toward the stands. Dempsey said a member of the ambassador’s entourage cut him off and told him “no photos.” He said it was not a photo request, but a question.

Shortly afterward, Dempsey and his editor, Julius Fintelmann, said they were approached by “unidentified” people and that Dempsey was surrounded and physically pressed when the flyover started and the national anthem was playing. Dempsey said they allegedly pushed him and tried to force him out of the park, after which—he claimed—the men eventually identified themselves as police officers, displaying an armband and then a badge.

Dempsey said police questioned them about their identity, their media outlet, whether the outlet had a political agenda, and how they gained access. He added that after handing over his ID, police told him he was considered an active threat and needed to be removed.

Brussels-Ixelles police confirmed that their officers were involved. A spokesperson said they were contacted by the protocol service over an “active threat” and, at the request of the embassy’s protocol unit, escorted the journalists out of the perimeter so they could leave the site. Police stated no arrests were made and no violence was used. The spokesperson did not address a claim by Dempsey that communications were jammed by the US Embassy.