The US ambassador had Belgian police stop our reporting (europeancorrespondent.com)

Article summary

The US ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, had Belgian police remove two journalists from a 'Freedom 250' celebration in Brussels, despite them being invited and accredited to attend. The journalists were attempting to ask the ambassador questions when they were detained and escorted off the premises. The event was organized by the US embassy and private companies to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. The incident has raised concerns about press freedom and the use of local police by foreign governments.

Main themes

• Press freedom
• Diplomatic immunity
• US-Belgium relations
• Police involvement
• Journalistic rights

What commenters say

• The US ambassador's actions were a clear infringement on press freedom and an abuse of power.
• The police were justified in escorting the journalists off the premises, but not in detaining and questioning them.
• The concept of diplomatic immunity allows ambassadors to act with impunity and disregard for local laws and customs.
• The incident is a reflection of the current state of US diplomacy, which prioritizes cronyism and oligarchy over democratic values.
• The use of local police by foreign governments to suppress journalistic inquiry is a worrying trend that undermines democratic principles.
• The ambassador's actions were a legitimate response to a perceived security threat, and the journalists were not unfairly targeted.
• The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in diplomatic relations and the use of public spaces for private events.