The US ambassador had Belgian police stop our reporting
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
The US ambassador in Belgium had police remove journalists from an event for asking a question.
The European Correspondent reports being invited to a US Freedom 250 event in Brussels, a privately funded celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. After asking Ambassador Bill White about what they describe as a tacit threat, police pulled them from the event, confiscated IDs, and questioned them. Officers said they were told one journalist was an active threat. Despite recognizing the mistake, the embassy ordered them removed. The article raises questions about funding and police costs.
What commenters are saying
Commenters split into two camps: those questioning the journalists' legitimacy and those criticizing the ambassador's response. Some called the journalists juveniles seeking clout, while others noted they were invited as press and asked a reasonable question. Several pointed out the ambassador has a history of insulting Belgian politicians. Others argued the police acted within their legal power since the park was rented, though lying about an active threat was problematic. A Belgian commenter confirmed the outlet is legitimate but has a small audience.