Youth Violence on the Rise in Belgium
25th April 2026
A series of violent incidents involving young people has raised concerns across Belgium, with experts warning that youth crime is becoming more frequent and, in some cases, more severe.
Recent cases have included assaults, stabbings and arson attacks involving teenagers. In one incident in Brussels, a 14-year-old girl was chased and assaulted by a group of youths, while other reports describe a teenager being set on fire with a Molotov cocktail, and a separate stabbing involving minors. Some attacks have been filmed and shared on social media, further amplifying concerns.
Statistics suggest a broader upward trend. Figures from juvenile courts show a steady increase in offences committed by minors over the past decade. Cases of assault and battery involving young suspects have risen significantly, with thousands more incidents recorded in recent years compared to earlier periods.
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