Protest Against Deurne Tree Felling Explodes.. Police Clear Streets, Two Hospitalized

Protest Against Deurne Tree Felling Turns Violent, Two Hurt

Residents continue resisting tree felling in Deurne, forming human chains to block machines amid police arrests and hospitalizations, sparking intense local controversy.

Marie Dupont20 August 2025Last Update : 10 hours ago

Protest tegen bomenkap in Deurne escaleert: politie ontruimt straat, twee actievoerders naar ziekenhuis

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Protests against tree felling in Deurne have intensified, with residents actively opposing the controversial urban renewal project. On 2025-08-20 16:17:00, demonstrators formed human chains to block machinery on Drakenhoflaan, leading to a strong police response and several arrests, including that of Manal Toumi, PVDA’s Antwerp council leader.

6 Key Takeaways

Residents continue protesting tree removal in Drakenhoflaan
Police arrest five protesters, including PVDA leader
District mayor halts tree cutting pending court decision
City denies stopping work, cites safety pause
Local coalition tensions rise over tree cutting dispute
Eleven trees removed; 62 slated for felling total

The dispute centers on the removal of 62 trees to pave the way for a new tram turning loop and street redesign. Despite ongoing legal challenges and a pending court ruling expected the same day, the city pressed ahead, sparking outrage among locals and political tension within the Deurne coalition. What motivates such fierce resistance, and how will authorities balance development with community concerns?

As debates continue, the spotlight remains on whether the city will heed calls to pause tree felling until the court’s decision is announced.

Fast Answer: Antwerp’s Deurne neighbourhood faces unrest as residents protest tree felling tied to a tram project, with arrests made and legal rulings pending, highlighting tensions between urban development and local opposition.

Why has this project sparked such controversy? The situation reveals deeper issues about communication and trust between the city and its citizens. Key points include:

The city’s decision to continue felling despite a pending court suspension request frustrated residents and local politicians.
Police intervention escalated tensions, resulting in multiple arrests and injuries among protesters.
District mayor Tjerk Sekeris criticises the lack of clear communication and suggests better timing could have reduced conflict.
The project itself, including the tram turning loop, remains supported by some officials despite opposition.

This dispute highlights the challenges Belgian cities face balancing infrastructure upgrades with community engagement and environmental concerns.

Moving forward, will Antwerp’s city council take a more consultative approach to ease tensions? Residents and politicians alike await the court’s ruling, which could shape the future of urban planning and public trust in Deurne and beyond.