Synagogue damaged in overnight blast in Belgium’s Liege, prosecutors launch probe
By Web Desk :
A synagogue was damaged in an overnight explosion in Liege, eastern Belgium, early Monday, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the incident.
Police confirmed that the blast caused material damage to the building but resulted in no injuries.
A spokesperson for the Liege police said officers responded to the scene after the explosion was reported overnight between Sunday and Monday.
“Only material damage has been recorded,” the police spokesperson said in a statement, adding that investigators are currently working to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
Federal prosecutors open investigation
The case has been taken up by the Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office, which is responsible for handling cases related to organized crime and terrorism.
Officials said the office would investigate the circumstances surrounding the blast and determine whether it was a deliberate attack.
Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the type of explosive device used or how the incident occurred.
Security forces have cordoned off the area while forensic teams continue to examine the site.
Mayor condemns “antisemitic act”
Willy Demeyer, the mayor of Liege, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a targeted attack against the Jewish community.
“This is all intentional and targeted. We condemn this antisemitic act as strongly as possible,” Demeyer told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
The mayor stressed that acts of hatred or violence against religious communities would not be tolerated in the city.
“We cannot allow foreign conflicts to be imported into our city,” he said, referring to rising tensions linked to international developments that have sometimes triggered protests and incidents across Europe.
Growing concern over antisemitism
The explosion has raised concerns among local officials and Jewish community leaders about security around religious institutions.
Authorities across Europe have increased security measures around synagogues and other Jewish community sites in recent years due to fears of antisemitic attacks.
Belgian officials have not yet confirmed whether the Liege explosion was directly motivated by antisemitism, but the mayor’s remarks and the involvement of federal prosecutors indicate that authorities are treating the incident with seriousness.
Investigation ongoing
Police and federal investigators are continuing to collect evidence and review surveillance footage from nearby areas.
Officials said further details would be released once investigators determine the cause of the blast and whether any suspects were involved.
For now, authorities have reassured residents that there is no immediate threat to public safety, while maintaining increased vigilance around sensitive sites in the city.
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