The National Crisis Center warned on Wednesday evening of a potential threat against secondary schools in our country. Vigilance was increased in all schools, although the OCAD announced on Thursday that it considered the threatening email that several schools received “not credible”.
The National Crisis Center was informed on Wednesday about a potential threat made regarding secondary schools. “The situation is being closely monitored by the services involved, and preventive measures have been taken,” the Crisis Center said in a press release on Wednesday evening. It called for “heightened vigilance” in all schools “across the country,” and for any suspicious situation to be reported.
A spokesperson for the Crisis Center confirms that all secondary schools in Belgium are involved. They can decide for themselves about additional measures, such as closing on Thursday. Currently, Flemish secondary schools and Dutch-speaking education in Brussels have Easter holidays, but French-speaking schools do have lessons as usual.
“Threat not credible”
However, the threat assessment body OCAD analyzed the situation on Thursday and concluded that the threat “is not credible based on the available information”.
Threat level 3 remains in force. This means that the threat is serious, and there is increased vigilance and police presence. That level has been in force since the terrorist attack on Swedish football supporters in Brussels in October. The federal police is responsible for investigating the origin of the threat, but is not communicating for the time being.
“Don’t give in to panic”
In the province of Liège, the mayors of several municipalities – Bitsingen, Blegny, Dalhem, Juprelle, Oupeye and Wezet – have already announced that educational institutions in their territory will not close on Thursday.
Basse-Meuse police zone in Liège says it is taking measures near schools. “Our children can go there in complete safety,” a press release said. The police also say they are aware of the concern the news may cause, but ask not to give in to panic.
Weyts: “Absolutely unacceptable that schools are targeted”
Flemish Minister of Education Ben Weyts (N-VA) calls it “unacceptable” that schools are being targeted. The Flemish secondary schools and Dutch-speaking schools in Brussels are currently closed for the Easter holidays. Weyts hopes that there will be more clarity soon and certainly before the end of the holidays.