Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Terror Threat Douses Brussels Fireworks

Officials say large crowds still a risk

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2007 8:30 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – Brussels has canceled or cut short many of its traditional New Year's Eve events, saying the terror threat level is still too high to permit large gatherings. Last week, Belgian police arrested—and released on lack of evidence—14 people accused of plotting to break a convicted terrorist out of prison.

The country immediately raised security threat levels. "We've reviewed the situation and the conclusion is that there is no reason to scale back the current level of alert," said a security official. As a result, the usual year-end fireworks have been canceled and the Christmas market and nearby ice rink will close early rather than stay open all night.

The Christmas market bustles with people at the Saint Catherine's Place in downtown Brussels, in this Dec. 18, 2006 file photo. Traditional New Year's Eve fireworks in central Brussels have been canceled due to a continuing terror threat in the Belgian capital, officials said Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. The popular...
The Christmas market bustles with people at the Saint Catherine's Place in downtown Brussels, in this Dec. 18, 2006 file photo. Traditional New Year's Eve fireworks in central Brussels have been canceled...   (Associated Press)
Fireworks illuminate the sky over the Atomium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Europe, in Brussels,on March 24, 2007 file photo. Traditional New Year's Eve fireworks in the center of Brussels have been canceled due to a continuing terror threat to the Belgian capital, officials said Sunday, Dec. 30,...
Fireworks illuminate the sky over the Atomium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Europe, in Brussels,on March 24, 2007 file photo. Traditional New Year's Eve fireworks in the center of Brussels have...   (Associated Press)
Belgian Police officers stand guard on the Grand'Place in Brussels, Friday Dec. 21, 2007, following the arrest of 14 suspected Islamic militants. The security level went a step higher against a possible terrorist attack as a plot to liberate an Al Qaeda suspect from jail was uncovered. (AP Photo/Thierry Charlier)
Belgian Police officers stand guard on the Grand'Place in Brussels, Friday Dec. 21, 2007, following the arrest of 14 suspected Islamic militants. The security level went a step higher against a possible...   (Associated Press)
Belgian Police officers stand guard in a subway station in Brussels, Friday Dec. 21, 2007, following the arrest of 14 suspected Islamic militants. The security level went a step higher against a possible terrorist attack as a plot to liberate an Al Qaeda suspect from jail was uncovered. (AP Photo/Thierry...
Belgian Police officers stand guard in a subway station in Brussels, Friday Dec. 21, 2007, following the arrest of 14 suspected Islamic militants. The security level went a step higher against a possible...   (Associated Press)
Belgian Police officers stand guard on the Grand'Place in Brussels, Friday Dec. 21, 2007, following the arrest of 14 suspected Islamic militants. The security level went a step higher against a possible terrorist attack as a plot to liberate an Al Qaeda suspect from jail was uncovered. (AP Photo/Thierry Charlier)
Belgian Police officers stand guard on the Grand'Place in Brussels, Friday Dec. 21, 2007, following the arrest of 14 suspected Islamic militants. The security level went a step higher against a possible...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Officials not sure they can warn revelers of cancelations before they arrive in the city
EuroNews

Belgium arrests suspected terrorists
Associated Press

Police release suspects for lack of evidence
Associated Press

 
national security • Belgium • terror plots • fireworks • terrorist • Brussels • New Year's Eve

More Newser Stories

Mukasey: Now's No Time to Weaken Patriot Act

Belgium Frees Terror Suspects

Hundreds of NYE Partiers Injured in Philippines

Saudi Student Detailed Terror Plan in Journal

Man Killed in New Year's Fireworks Accident
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne