Tensions boiled over in the streets of Belgium’s capital Brussels on Dec. 5 as a minority of protesters clashed with riot police following an otherwise peaceful larger protest joined by thousands of people. Protesters marched to Place Schuman, where major European Union buildings are located, to voice their concerns over the government’s COVID-19 policies. Leading the march were firemen and nursing staff who are facing suspension from frontline roles if they don’t receive a COVID-19 vaccine by Jan. 1, 2022. They then face dismissal on April 1, 2022 if not fully vaccinated. Many pointed to hardship caused by their leaders’ decisions to prioritize virus suppression policies over other rights, such as freedom of movement. Additional restrictions for Belgium were announced on Dec. 3, following two weeks of announcements that had already tightened rules around mobility and access to services. “We want a democratic and non-dictatorial approach to this crisis,” one protest …