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date: 2026-04-20 title: "Brussels Daily Press Review — April 20, 2026" lang: en summary: "Blast outside Saint-Gilles shisha bar linked to drug trade rivalry. Moody's downgrades Belgium's credit rating. Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz. RWDM relegated to Nationale." tags: ["Brussels", "news", "press-review", "april-2026"]
Weather
🌤️ Partly cloudy, 4°C – 13°C in Brussels
Security & Justice
Blast outside Saint-Gilles shisha bar
Violence linked to drug trafficking is escalating in Saint-Gilles. An explosive device detonated Friday night outside the OKLM shisha bar on Rue Théodore Verhaegen. The facade was blown out and around fifteen windows were smashed at the Institut des Filles de Marie school across the street. No one was injured. An investigation has been opened. According to Mayor Jean Spinette (PS), the theory of a dealers' revenge attack is gaining traction: the establishment had previously been closed by court order for drug trafficking. Federal police reinforcements have been deployed and the police presence has been strengthened around the clock. In preceding days, a blast on Rue de Bosnie (ten vehicles damaged) and shootings on Rue Gisbert Combaz had already occurred.
Stones thrown at Stib bus and police in Laeken
On the night of April 16, stones were thrown at a Stib bus (line 83) and police on Avenue des Citronniers in Laeken. An investigation has been opened. No one was injured.
Fire in family home in Schaerbeek
A fire broke out Saturday morning in a family home on Rue de Locht in Schaerbeek. One burn victim was taken to the Military Hospital. Significant damage was done to the first floor. Probable cause: spontaneous combustion of an electric scooter battery.
Legal Clinic: 3,000 calls to free telephone hotline
The free telephone helpline run by the Legal Clinic received 3,000 calls. Around fifty lawyers answered questions from members of the public.
Politics
Ixelles simplifies administration with one-stop shop
Ixelles is streamlining its administration by introducing a single counter for residents, significantly reducing bureaucratic paperwork.
Transport
No news today.
EU & International
Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US blockade
Iran is threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz again in retaliation for the American blockade. Trump called it "blackmail." Tensions in the Middle East continue to mount.
Six killed in shooting in Kyiv
Six people were killed in a shooting in a district of Kyiv, Ukraine.
Pope Leo XIV in Angola: denounces social and environmental disasters
On his trip to Africa, Pope Leo XIV condemned the social and environmental disasters linked to a logic of exploitation in Angola.
French peacekeeper killed and three wounded in Lebanon — Macron blames Hezbollah
A French UN peacekeeper was killed and three others were wounded in Lebanon. President Macron blamed Hezbollah.
200 migrants spotted off Belgian coast
Five boats carrying at least 200 migrants were spotted off the Belgian coast.
US tech "kill switch" risks undermining European defence systems
The American technological "kill switch" risks compromising the majority of European defence systems.
Far-right rally in Milan
Thousands of people attended a European far-right rally in Milan.
Society
Bpost strike causes parcel delivery disruptions
A strike at bpost is causing disruptions to parcel deliveries. Uncertainty remains over when normal operations will resume.
Environment
No news today.
Culture
BIFFF 2026: 60,000 attendees, Corbeau d'Or to "Never After Dark"
The 44th edition of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) drew 60,000 visitors. The Golden Raven (Corbeau d'Or) went to American filmmaker Dave Boyle's film "Never After Dark."
Art Nouveau / Art Déco exhibition in Brussels — a century of chairs
An exhibition brings together a century of chairs in a sweeping panorama of Art Nouveau and Art Déco.
Saint-Joseph Church restored in Brussels European quarter
Saint-Joseph Church in the European quarter has regained its splendour following restoration work.
Horst festival: electronic music across Flanders
The Horst festival brings electronic music to venues across Flanders.