Today (22 March) marks eight years since the Brussels terror attacks which claimed the lives of 32 people and injured hundreds more. The famous Manneken-Pis statue has been dressed for the occasion in a nod to victims and their families.
On 22 March 2016, the Islamic State group (ISIS) carried out two separate attacks in Brussels: two suicide bombers detonated explosives at Zaventem Airport, and an hour later, another suicide bomber carried out an attack at Maelbeek metro station. The events constitute the largest attack on Belgian soil since the Second World War.
This Friday marks the eighth anniversary of the fatal attacks in which 32 people died and hundreds more were injured. The City of Brussels has dressed Manneken-Pis in a firefighter's outfit today to honour those who died, their families and the workers who responded to attacks eight years ago. The outfit was supplied by the fire and emergency medical service (SIAMU).
Manneken-Pis marking the eighth anniversary of the Brussels terror attacks on 22 March 2016. Credit: X
"Eight years ago, our country was hit by terrorist attacks in Zaventem and the Maelbeek metro station in Brussels," SIAMU wrote on social media. "Our first-aid workers on the scene that day will never forget it. Today, we commemorate this painful memory and also think of the victims and all those affected by terrorism."
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD), Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS), Regional Minister-President Rudi Vervoort (PS) and the Brussels public transport operator STIB also took to social media to commemorate the anniversary and pay their respects.
"The pain of the families and friends of the victims remains immense," stated De Croo. "We remain united in thought with them."
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) laying a wreath to commemorate the attacks. Credit: Belga
Minute of silence
At 09:00 on Friday, the commune of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean observed a minute of silence in the town square in tribute to the victims. Participants then moved to Place Loubna Lafquiri for a ceremony at 10:00. The square is named after the 34-year-old Molenbeek woman who died in the Maelbeek attack.
"We pay tribute to Loubna Lafquiri and to all the victims of violence around the world," said Molenbeek Mayor Catherine Moureaux (PS), who underlined the importance of "keeping the memory of that painful day alive."
Children from several local schools took part in the tribute by performing songs and poems, and participants laid flowers for Lafquiri.
Lafquiri's husband, Mohamed El Bachiri, attended the ceremony. In the wake of the attack that killed his wife, El Bachiri wrote a book called Le Jihad de l'Amour ('The Jihad of Love'), in which he calls for a more inclusive and humane society.
Lafquiri, a gym teacher, was on her way to work on the day of the attacks when she was killed by the explosion at Maelbeek metro station. She was only a few metres away from the suicide bomber. Her body was not identified until two days later.
