After a Belgian MEP’s home became the target of a violent Molotov cocktail attack, Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola condemned the assault on his family. Metsola, a European Parliament President hopeful, tweeted out her solidarity and support to Pascal Arimont and his family. The explosive was thrown under the family’s children’s bedroom. 

‘It is shocking and horrific. We must be united against hate and extremism. I hope the culprits are brought swiftly to justice.’ Arimont expressed suspicions that the attack was the work of anti-vaxxers retaliating to a Facebook post in which he highlighted his trust in science as to the efficacy and safety of the COVID vaccines. 

He said that despite handling people criticising his work, what happened went too far. He also expressed how he has always spoken out against a general mandatory vaccination. ‘They call me a coward. But how cowardly is it to want to start an arson in a house where children are sleeping’ he rhetorically asked. 

With Belgium experiencing a large amount of protests against the increasing restrictions, cases have also seen a rise all across the continent. Despite big parts of the protest being peaceful, a group of demonstrators resorted to throwing stones and fireworks at police, instigating a response of teargas and water cannons. Malta’s Health Minister Chris Fearne also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Pascal’s family. The Belgian MEP expressed his fear as he protects his loved ones following the attack. 

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Photo Source: Asia Times, Roberta Metsola FB, Politico Europe