An international chocolate factory has shut down all production at a plant in Belgium after discovering a salmonella-positive lot, the company confirmed on Thursday. In a June 30 statement, the Swiss chocolate maker, Barry Callebaut, said all products manufactured since June 25 in Wieze, a village in East Flanders, have been placed on hold. The company noted that…
Salmonella Outbreak Shuts Down ‘World’s Largest’ Chocolate Factory in Belgium
The Apology Dilemma: Belgian King’s Controversial Visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo
Commentary The King of Belgium Philippe, recently visited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), previously known as Zaire. It is the first time that the King, who ascended the throne in 2013, visited the country. He was accompanied by his wife, Queen Mathilde, and the Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. Philippe is a descendant…
First Mandatory Quarantines for Monkeypox as White House Warns of More Cases
Belgium has become the first country in the world to introduce a mandatory 21-day monkeypox quarantine for those who contract the virus after several cases were found, with a White House official warning Sunday that more U.S. cases are likely. Those who contract the virus will have to self-isolate, confirmed Belgian health authorities to news outlets. Individuals…
Belgium Detects First 2 Monkeypox Cases
BRUSSELS—Belgium detected its first two cases of monkeypox on Friday, authorities said. The cases were diagnosed in different cities, though Flemish broadcaster VRTNWS said both patients had attended the same party in an undisclosed location. A leading virologist said the number of cases in the country would probably rise. “I do expect more cases,” said…
Netherlands, Belgium Extradites Dozens of Russian Diplomats Accused of Espionage
Dutch and Belgian authorities are expelling 38 Russian diplomats after accusing them of engaging in espionage activities, the foreign affairs ministry in the Netherlands and Belgium announced on Tuesday. Wopke Hoekstra, the Netherlands’ minister of foreign affairs, said a total of 17 individuals, who were accredited as diplomats at the Russian representations in the Netherlands, were…
Car Runs Into Carnival Revelers in Belgium, Killing 6
BRUSSELS—A car slammed at high speed into Carnival revelers in a small town in southern Belgium early Sunday, killing six people and leaving 10 more with life-threatening injuries, authorities said, adding many others were lightly injured. “What should have been a great party turned into a tragedy,” said Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden. The prosecutor’s…
Belgium Scraps Almost All COVID-19 Measures
BRUSSELS—Belgium began easing most COVID-19 restrictions Monday in the biggest move to relax measures since the pandemic began some two years ago. Gone are the coronavirus passport that allows entry into bars, restaurants, theater, and cinemas as well as capacity limits. Masks will no longer be mandatory except on public transport and in the health…
Blockades by Virus Protest Convoys Banned in Paris, Brussels
PARIS—Authorities in France and Belgium on Thursday banned road blockades threatened by groups organizing online against COVID-19 restrictions, in part inspired by protesters in Canada. Citing “risks of trouble to public order,” the Paris police department banned protests aimed at “blocking the capital” from Friday through Monday. Police will put measures in place to protect…
Belgian Police Fire Water Cannon, Tear Gas to Disperse COVID-19 Protest
BRUSSELS—Tens of thousands of people protested in Brussels on Sunday against COVID-19 restrictions, some clashing with police who fired water cannon and tear gas to disperse them near the European Commission’s headquarters. The rally drew about 50,000 people, Belgian police said. It was peaceful at first as protesters chanted and filled streets, waving placards and…
Belgium to Make U-Turn to Allow Theatres, Cinemas to Reopen
BRUSSELS—The Belgian government was set to reverse course on Wednesday by allowing theatres to reopen after a court suspended their closure ordered a week ago to try to stem the surge in infections from the Omicron coronavirus variant. The ruling from the Council of State did not cover cinemas, but the government says they too…
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- Mimi Nguyen LyThe U.S. Department of State on Monday said that independent investigators couldn’t clearly conclude the origin of the bullet that killed Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The 51-year-old reporter for Al-Jazeera’s Arabic language channel died… [...]
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- Masooma HaqNBA free agent Enes Kanter Freedom recently launched the Enes Kanter Freedom Foundation to help fight for religious liberty and human rights around the world. Freedom said it’s time to take… [...]
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- Daniel Y. TengAustralia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation after a meeting with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on July 4. Rafael… [...]
- Gary BaiThe U.S.-Mexico border has become the world’s “deadliest” land crossing, according to data recently brought to light by a United Nations study. A historic high of 728 recorded immigrant deaths… [...]
- Bill PanThe City of Orlando, Florida, has apologized for its official message about the July 4 holiday that questioned why people would want to celebrate it at all. “A lot of people… [...]