Controversy around dancing Marc Van Ranst: ‘Ventilation was in order’ | Abroad

On November 6, the Kingdom of Morocco celebrates the Day of the Green March, an official holiday commemorating the occupation of Western Sahara. The consulate-general of Morocco in Hoboken, near Antwerp, organized a party on Saturday with drinks and food, music and dance.

The images of that party were also distributed via the Facebook page of the consulate-general. A remarkable guest was virologist Marc Van Ranst, who, surrounded by countless revelers, showcases his dancing skills. Critics of Van Ranst use the images to accuse him of hypocrisy. “Why Marc Van Ranst is present at a party of Moroccan fascists? And publicly argue for a tightening of the covid measures,” it sounds on Twitter.

Twitter

Vlaams Belang member of parliament Dries Van Langenhove also shared the images of Marc Van Ranst dancing. “On Friday Marc Van Ranst said that we had to limit our essential social contacts again, on Saturday evening Van Ranst is dancing among people at a party in Hoboken to commemorate the Green March. When I did an outdoor BBQ with friends just before the weather was allowed, it was whipped up in the media for days. Now they remain silent.”

Virologist Marc Van Ranst himself confirms his presence at the party and also has an answer ready for Van Langenhove. He emphasizes that the party was organized safely. “It was a CST event, while strictly speaking it wasn’t necessary. I always have my CO2 meter with me to measure the air quality,” says Van Ranst. “The ventilation in the room was fine. I just follow the rules that apply to everyone.”

—