Two victims of Antwerp stabbing stable as police search suspects’ homes
The two most seriously injured victims of Thursday evening’s stabbing on and around Antwerp’s Operaplein are no longer in a life-threatening condition, police say. Authorities have also conducted several home searches in connection with the arrested suspects.
The incident occurred after an otherwise peaceful protest by around 200 to 300 people on Operaplein against violence towards Kurds in Syria. A commotion broke out shortly after the demonstration, leaving at least six people injured. Four victims were found on the square itself, with two others nearby. All showed signs of stab wounds or cuts.
Police were already present to monitor the protest and intervened quickly. Four suspects were identified and arrested almost immediately. Police are still investigating whether the suspects had mixed with the protesters.
Investigators have since reviewed security camera footage and spoken to potential witnesses. A forensic laboratory team was deployed to the scene. The incident is being treated as attempted murder and is not currently being classified as terrorism.
The Belgian-Kurdish community organisation in Belgium, however, described the incident as a "terrorist act against Kurds" with "extremist and jihadist motives". In response, a new Kurdish community event scheduled for Friday has been cancelled.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO HANDOUT ANTWERP POLICE
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