Explorer

Setback for Belgian govt as coronavirus measures overturned

Brussels, Dec 28 (AP): In a setback for the Belgian government, an advisory body on Tuesday suspended a Cabinet-ordered closure of part of the cultural sector — saying that new coronavirus restrictions imposed on theaters are unreasonabl.

Brussels, Dec 28 (AP): In a setback for the Belgian government, an advisory body on Tuesday suspended a Cabinet-ordered closure of part of the cultural sector — saying that new coronavirus restrictions imposed on theaters are unreasonable.

Under new restrictions that took effect Sunday, movie houses, concert halls and art centers were ordered to shut their doors. Some stayed open in protest.

The order came despite the assessment of the scientific committee advising the government that going to such places poses no extra risk to public health.

In an emergency procedure, the Council of State ruled that measures concerning theaters were “not proportionate,” and didn't provide enough motives to “understand why going to cultural sector performance venues was particularly dangerous for public health.” The Council of State is an advisory body that has legal powers to overturn government decisions it considers unlawful.

The ruling came after a member of a production company launched an urgent appeal against the government decision to ensure that an end of year play could go ahead in suburban Brussels. It's expected to impact on the entire sector.

The minister for culture in Belgium's French-speaking region, Benedicte Linard, welcomed the verdict, and tweeted that “the closure of theaters is lifted. There's no point in waiting for a new (Council of State) ruling to reopen cinemas.” The ruling, which the Council of State described as “provisional,” came after representatives of Belgian actors, performers and cinema operators had criticized the government's decision, describing it as baseless, unfair and disproportionate.

After meeting Tuesday with those representatives, Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke told state broadcaster RTBF that “there's no possibility to immediately revise the (government's) decision.” Thousands of Belgian performers, cinema operators, event organizers and others rallied on Sunday in protest at the closure of the country's cultural life to stem the spread of the surging omicron variant.

Events like Christmas markets are allowed to continue, despite their boisterous, and sometimes chaotic, mulled wine parties, while restaurants and bars are allowed to stay open with some new restrictions. (AP) MRJ

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

Bangladesh Yet To Send Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition Request Formally
Bangladesh Yet To Send Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition Request Formally
Another Election With No Show Of 'United INDIA'. Congress To Contest All Delhi Assembly Seats Without AAP
Another Election With No Show Of 'United INDIA'. Congress To Contest All Delhi Assembly Seats Without AAP
India Urges ‘Just, Fair, Transparent’ Legal Process For Monk Chinmoy Das
India Urges ‘Just, Fair, Transparent’ Legal Process For Monk Chinmoy Das
Maharashtra CM Suspense Rises: Eknath Shinde Meets Sharad Pawar Camp Leader After Cancelling Key Mahayuti Meet
Maharashtra CM Suspense Rises: Eknath Shinde Meets Sharad Pawar Camp Leader After Cancelling Key Mahayuti Meet
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Breaking News: Controversy Erupts Over Claim of Temple Inside Ajmer Dargah in RajasthanBreaking News: ED Team Attacked in Delhi's Bijwasan Area | ABP NewsSambhal Mosque Clash: Tightened Security Ahead of Namaz Following Violence | ABP NewsShocking Video from Sambhal Mosque Clash Day Will Leave You Stunned | ABP News

Photo Gallery

Embed widget