Demonstrating: the basics

Check the time and place.With the organisers, just before you set off. For 17 November, on fef.be: the announced meeting point is Brussels Central Station at 11 am, with group departures from seven Walloon cities. For 23 November: time and place not yet announced by the unions.

Write down two phone numbers on paper.One for someone you trust and one for a legal helpline: your phone may run out of battery or be seized.

Lock your phone with a code.Rather than with your face or fingerprint, and back it up before you leave.

Demonstrating peacefully is a right.In Brussels, an open-air demonstration must be authorised by the municipality. Taking part in a peaceful demonstration is not grounds for arrest.

Administrative arrest: 12 hours at most.It is only allowed when absolutely necessary to maintain public order.

Judicial arrest: a judge after 48 hours.It takes place as part of a criminal investigation. Ask to see a lawyer.

Write everything down while it is fresh.Time, place, visible police ID numbers, witnesses. Police Watch, the observatory of the French-speaking Ligue des droits humains, collects testimonies.