The ‘Freedom Convoy’ of truck drivers occupying the Canadian capital in protest of coronavirus-related restrictions is inspiring similar actions across the world, with calls for a European version in Brussels.
But while Brussels police say they’re aware that 14 February is a date circulating in planning circles for a truck convoy to the Belgian capital, they don’t yet want to communicate about a possible request for a protest permit, Belga News Agency reports.
“We are aware of the fact that there is a call in all European capitals to come down to Brussels on Sunday night to form a convoy. We will communicate later this week about a possible request and permission for the action,” said a spokesperson for the Brussels Capital police.
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European support for Canadian trucker movement
German MEP Christine Anderson has been a vocal supporter of the Freedom Convoy movement.
“Big shout-outs from EU-Parliament to the brave and courageous Canadian FreedomTruckers,” she tweeted. “I support your fight for freedom - and that of all Canadians - with all my heart.”
?? |Big shout-outs from EU-Parliament to the brave and courageous Canadian #FreedomTruckers ! I support your fight for freedom - and that of all Canadians - with all my heart! Hooray Canada - Go for it! https://t.co/pZOxAypVVo #FreedomConvoy2022 #freedomconvoy pic.twitter.com/J8uJbVlqCk
— Christine Anderson (@AndersonAfDMdEP) February 6, 2022
In the Canadian capital of Ottawa, truck drivers have been protesting against the corona measures and vaccination obligation for more than a week.
The mayor there recently declared a state of emergency, saying the safety of the city’s residents cannot be guaranteed amid the ongoing demonstration.
Today, February 6, Mayor Jim Watson has declared a state of emergency for the City of Ottawa due to the ongoing demonstrations. For more information, visit: https://t.co/1ga2tHegDd pic.twitter.com/UO3hdSnQeq
— City of Ottawa (@ottawacity) February 6, 2022
Social media users have been calling for a similar action involving multiple European truck drivers commuting to Brussels in a convoy, then remaining there to protest Covid-19 restrictions.
In the span of just one week, around 40,000 people joined a chat titled ‘World Freedom Convoy’ on Signal, an encrypted messaging app.