Controversy in Belgium Over Car with '7 OKTOBR' License Plate

belgium - A Belgian car displaying the license plate '7 OKTOBR' sparks outrage, seemingly referencing the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, leading to calls for investigation and stricter regulations.

Controversy in Belgium Over Car with '7 OKTOBR' License Plate

A Belgian vehicle driving with the license plate '7 OKTOBR' has stirred controversy, hinting at the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. The owner's choice has raised concerns and prompted reactions from political figures.

Political Response

Georges-Louis Bouchez, chairman of the Belgian political party MR, expressed deep shock at the approval of the plate by the Vehicle Registration Service (DIV). He emphasized the need to distinguish political statements from terrorism connotations.

Regulations on Personalized Plates

Despite the rising popularity of personalized plates in Belgium, strict guidelines prohibit offensive, discriminatory, or politically charged content. The DIV employs both automated and manual screening processes to prevent inappropriate combinations.

Enforcement Measures

While the DIV has mechanisms in place to filter out inappropriate plates, questions arise about the effectiveness of human oversight in this case. The difficulty lies in discerning individuals' intentions behind displaying such plates.

The plate holder has reportedly been issued a new plate, with the old one surrendered as per regulations.