Jesus 'kidnapped' in asylum protest

Figures of baby Jesus are to be returned on Friday

A group in Belgium has been "kidnapping" little statues of Jesus Christ from nativity scenes in churches and public squares, to protest against planned cuts in benefits for asylum seekers.

The group, which calls itself Jesus 2000, is reported to have taken at least eight statues across the country.

How would Jesus, fleeing persecution in his country of origin be received in Belgium in the year 2000?

Operation Jesus 2000

Apologising for any distress caused, the campaigners say the baby figures will be returned to their places by Friday, once it has put across the message that Jesus himself might not be well received in Belgium under the new immigration laws.

The Belgian authorities have stepped-up border controls to counter an expected increase in asylum seekers before cash benefits are replaced by free facilities.

Public alert

"How would Jesus, fleeing persecution in his country of origin be received in Belgium in the year 2000?" ask the signatories to Jesus 2000.

If Jesus had been born this year, he might have faced some tough questions, suggests Jesus 2000

On its web site the group says it has been formed by some 50 people with no affiliation to political parties or non-governmental organisations, who want to alert public opinion to the way refugees are treated in Belgium.

The Belgian Government says it received more than 40,000 asylum applications this year and the situation has become unmanageable.

From 10 January, Brussels is cutting down cash payments for asylum seekers, and replacing them with free facilities such as accommodation in military barracks and holiday flats pending decisions on their applications.