As of 7th August 2023, Belgium has placed 111 people, including Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne, under police protection. The list also
includes magistrates, judges, lawyers, and other government officials, as reported by La Dernière Heure on Monday, citing data from the National Crisis Centre.
Apart from the prime minister and justice minister, recent surveillance measures have been taken for other ministers, such as Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden, Brussels Minister Elke Van Den Brandt, and Walloon Minister Philippe Henry.
Ensuring Safety The National Crisis Centre spokesperson, Antoine Iseux, explained that when information about threats against individuals in Belgium performing their duties is received, a joint meeting with various partners, including the police and the Coordination Body for Threat Assessment (OCAD), is convened. The threat's seriousness is assessed, and specific security measures are then implemented to ensure the safety of these individuals.
Recent Figures According to the National Crisis Centre, 41 new cases requiring police protection have been opened this year, which is a decrease from the 65 cases in 2022 and 81 cases in 2021.
Role of OCAD The Coordination Body for Threat Assessment (OCAD) is a Belgian government agency responsible for coordinating the efforts of the police and intelligence services in assessing Belgium's exposure to terrorist and extremist threats. It operates under the authority of the Interior and Justice Ministers, who are themselves among those receiving police protection.
Established in 2006, the OCAD succeeded the Anti-Terrorist Joint Group (AGG), with similar responsibilities. The OCAD's tasks include collecting, analyzing, and evaluating information to facilitate administrative and judicial police measures concerning terrorist activities in Belgium.
Furthermore, the OCAD is actively involved in coordinating efforts to combat violent extremism and manages a shared database that collects and processes information on radicalization from local and supra-local bodies. Photo by Kevin.B, Wikimedia commons.