On Wednesday morning the three MEPs, all members of the Green party in their respective countries, protested against American nuclear warheads that have been in storage at the military base in Kleine-Brogel in Belgium since 1984.
The three MPs climbed over the fence at 8.10am and were taken into custodyby the police just fifteen minutes later. Initial information suggested five individuals had crossed the fence, but later news confirms that it was the three MPs.
Eight over people supporting the three MPs outside the fence were also taken into police custody. The general context of the protest is the end of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). The suspension of the treaty has a significant impact on Europe, as the USA and Russia are no longer bound to eliminate their long-range nuclear weapons.
The European Green Party advocates a complete removal of nuclear weapons in Europe. The Kleine-Brogel military base is based in northeastern Belgium at the Dutch border, around three hours away from Luxembourg.
On Facebook, CSV MEP Christophe Hansen criticised Metz's actions, interpreting them as her launching her European election campaign. He stressed that he does not believe politicians are above the law and called it irresponsible to use justice authorities, the police, and the army as "hostages for political marketing". Hansen also criticised the fact that Metz's press release was published on RTL minutes after the news emerged.
Whilst also expressing a stance against chemical and nuclear weapons, Hansen highlighted the responsibilities of politicians in seeking alternative methods to making such points.
Hansen ended by addressing the Green Ministers of Defence and Justice, Francois Bausch and Felix Braz, asking whether they condone their colleague's actions.
