Winter Wonders opens as Brussels threat level returns to 3

The terrorist threat level in Brussels has been reduced from the maximum level of 4 to level 3, in line with the rest of Belgium. Level 3 signifies “a probable serious threat against a person, group or event”.

Level 3 was in operation at the time of the attacks in Paris earlier this month, though there will be some changes from the previous level 3. The capital’s metro is fully operational this morning, but the service is running only from 6.00 to 22.00. A military presence on the streets is being maintained.

Major events are being considered on a case-by-case basis by the home affairs ministry’s crisis centre. Concerts at some of the main venues, including Flagey and AB, have been cancelled (or postponed) for the weekend. The Christmas market, Winter Wonders, long the subject of speculation as to whether it would be allowed to open this morning as planned, will open.

“The situation remains serious,” said prime minister Charles Michel, “but according to the indications of the security services, the threat is no longer imminent.” Earlier in the week, federal home affairs minister Jan Jambon announced a serious attack had been thwarted, but no details have been given.

In the federal parliament, a temporary committee was created to follow the evolution of the measures announced last week on terrorism and radicalisation. The committee is chaired by Koen Metsu (N-VA), and its members include Françoise Schepmans, mayor of Molenbeek, and Hans Bonte, mayor of Vilvoorde.

Meanwhile, the independent committee that oversees police matters has issued a damning report on the Molenbeek force, describing officers as having no contact with the community, not being familiar with certain areas and even demonstrating “anxiety with the surroundings”.

The report by the P Committee was drawn up last year, long before Molenbeek became the centre of national and international attention as a key base for radical Islamists. The report, covering two areas of the municipality that fall within the police zone Brussels-West, was presented to the federal parliament.

The report criticises the police of Zone West for still maintaining “no-go areas,” claiming that the gulf between police and residents is growing wider. The P Committee suggested more routine police presence on the street, including when there are no crimes in progress, and that the force should show concern for the everyday problems of the residents.

Photo: Ye Pingfan/xh/Xinhua Press/Corbis