Belgian student protests turn violent in Liège and other cities

Student protests in Belgium turned violent on Monday in several cities, with dozens of arrests and 18 police officers lightly injured in Liège, according to local police. Around 1,000 protesters in Liège split into small, mobile groups, leading to clashes where projectiles were thrown and police used tear gas and water cannons. Fires were set on public streets, and a pyrotechnic device landed in a primary school courtyard in Hannut, injuring about 15 children with sparks. The demonstrations mark the third day of secondary school students protesting against announced budget cuts in French-speaking Belgium. The movement spread Monday to other cities, including Mons and Charleroi, resulting in arrests for public order disturbances.