Coronavirus: in Belgium, anti-masks convinced by conspiracy theories

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2 min

After Germany, the United States or the United Kingdom, the anti-masks will demonstrate in Brussels, Belgium, Sunday August 16. They denounce excessive sanitary measures. The cause may seem right. But when we dig a little deeper into their motives, the organizers quickly refer to conspiracy theories.

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With our correspondent in Brussels, Jérémy Audouard

Maxime Ceragioli is one of the organizers of the anti-mask demonstration scheduled for the streets of Brussels on Sunday August 16. For him, these accessories are simply useless, and especially not to limit the spread of the new coronavirus: “  It is scientifically proven that wearing a mask does not retain viruses. I am categorical.  "

Mask obligatory, confinement: Barbara Désirant denounces disproportionate measures. She believes the epidemic is on the decline, although official figures say otherwise. Belgium has the highest death rate in the world, with 856 deaths per million inhabitants (more than 9,900 deaths in total). “  Currently, the curve is completely and could not be flatter. And we are being increasingly restricted with the wearing of masks. Even in a forest! Excuse me, but there are serious questions to ask,  ”says Barbara Désirant all the same.

► To read also: France: against a background of conspiracy theories, the “anti-mask” movement is spreading

Named culprit: Bill Gates

These claims seem valid a priori . But the organizers quickly switch to conspiracy. In a confused manner, they denounce a collusion between politicians, the media and virologists. They would all be paid by Bill Gates, founder of the Microsoft empire and among the world's top richest men, to impose a dictatorship.

“  Behind all the media, behind all the pharmaceutical companies, behind all the decisions that are made, there is always one and the same foundation: that of Bill and Melinda Gates. And there, excuse me, but there is a big conflict of interest  ”, thinks Barbara Désirant.

Due to sanitary measures, the gathering of anti-masks cannot exceed 200 people. A rotating parade will be in alphabetical order.

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• Belgium
• Health and medicine
• Coronavirus

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