Two weeks ago, on a Monday afternoon, yet another queerphobic attack shook Brussels. Two young people were brutally assaulted on a bus heading to Central Station—just for confirming they were gay.
The violence was immediate and vicious. One of the attackers punched one of the victims in the head, while the other hurled a vape before launching into a full-on assault. A passenger reportedly saw a knife in the hands of one of the assailants. The victims managed to seek refuge with the bus driver as the attackers continued their threats before finally leaving the vehicle. Both victims later required medical attention.
Following an investigation by Brussels-North police, one suspect—a minor—turned himself in last Friday and was placed under the authority of a juvenile judge. The second assailant remains unidentified.
“The violence against people is unacceptable and a priority for the prosecutor’s office,” officials stated. But for the queer community, the bigger question remains: will justice be swift, or will this be yet another act of queerphobia that goes unpunished?
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