Community Gathers in Schaerbeek for ‘White March’ Following Killing of 23-Year-Old Gloria

Approximately 200 people gathered in Schaerbeek on Saturday, April 11, 2026, to honor the memory of Gloria, a 23-year-old woman killed in her home. The “white march” served as both a memorial and a public demand for political action to prevent further femicides.

The tragedy occurred on March 5, when Gloria was found dead in her apartment on Rue Docteur Élie Lambotte. According to reports, she was killed by a gunshot to the head. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with participants in the march emphasizing the demand to “awaken the politicians” and ensure such a crime does not happen again.

The investigation by the Brussels prosecutor’s office led to the arrest and indictment of Gloria’s ex-partner, identified as Abdel, on charges of murder. Sources indicate that the couple had a volatile relationship characterized by physical violence and death threats. Gloria, who worked as a nursing assistant in a retirement home and ran a side business applying eyelash extensions, had reportedly filed several police reports and was attempting to end the relationship before she was killed.

The case has highlighted the ongoing struggle to protect victims of domestic violence. In a heartbreaking statement, Gloria’s father expressed the guilt and pain of the tragedy, stating, “I didn’t even realize how to protect my daughter. That’s the thing that’s really eating me up.”

While the suspect has allegedly claimed to suffer from psychiatric disorders, Gloria’s family and close associates view this as an attempt to reduce his potential sentence. They have called for the public to “share her story extensively” to ensure justice is served.

Details from the investigation suggest that Gloria’s younger sister was the one to discover the body. Early reports indicate that Abdel may have been the one to call emergency services, though officials are continuing to verify these details as part of the ongoing probe.

This tragedy underscores the critical need for effective intervention in domestic abuse cases to prevent lethal escalations. The community’s mobilization on April 11 reflects a growing demand for systemic changes to protect women from gender-based violence.