On the night of Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 April, the police raided the Camping 58 building during a private party. According to the police, the party – organized by the non-profit organization Morphée and not by Camping 58 itself – was not requested and drugs were being traded. .
The officers then wanted to stop the party, but that was not possible without a fight. Several partygoers were injured, according to campsite manager Bram De Ridder. The police also reported five injured officers.
Open as normal
For a moment it seemed that the opening of the campsite would be in jeopardy. But contrary to what the police previously said BRUZZ confirmed, “the campsite has never been administratively closed,” says Carole Poncin, spokesperson for Mayor Philippe Close (PS). “The police only closed the building that one night.”
The campsite will therefore open as planned on May 1. Then there will be no more nightly parties and the problem will no longer arise. A party planned last Friday was canceled by the organizer himself. A party on Saturday during the day went without any problems.
“There will be one last private party this Tuesday evening. The agreement now is that, at the request of the Public Rest Service of the City of Brussels, I will hire security,” says campsite operator De Ridder. “Unfortunately, I will have to pass that on to the organization.”
Its a shame, but there is nothing to do about it
De Ridder regrets that such measures now have to be taken. “It is a pity that I can no longer give party organizers that freedom,” says De Ridder. “But the Public Rest Service was very clear, and I am responsible. There was even talk of suspending camping activities. Better then security.”
He himself says he has little to complain about the collaboration with the City. Things also usually go well with the police, he says.
On May 1, the campsite starts with a petanque tournament and a (day) performance by Maria Iscariot, brand new winner of Humo’s Rock Rally. A veggie food truck provides reinforcement.
