Belgian Conservative Protest Against the People's Soviet

[Suvorov]

THE COUNTER-REVOLUTION BEGINS
Conservative Opposition to the Belgian Soviet

Black-clad conservative protesters march in Brussels​

TWO WEEKS AGO

First, the centuries old Belgian government had been toppled and replaced by this "Soviet of People's Representatives." Suddenly everything in life was this committee or that council. Ideologies were changing and the country, at its heart, was on a different path. Second, many of those who were formerly powerful found themselves completely excluded from the political process. Finally, the royal family disappeared into "protective custody" of the state. Not everyone was happy with these changes.

The troubles that the country faced that led to the rise of these communists felt like the distant past, almost forgotten. Conservatives and nationalists of all breeds were suddenly united by a new issue, one greater and more pressing than any of the ideological differences that had divided them in the past - the new communist government. The People's Union, once one of the largest nationalist-conservative political parties in the country had found itself out of power completely. They had never been a leading party, but now, even former Christian Democratic and Flemish party members, once the largest party in the nation, were swelling the ranks of the People's Union. The People's Union was the most outspoken against the new regime and their presence was growing stronger and stronger but they didn't have the numbers to really oppose the government. The removal of the royal family was the match that ignited the tinderbox. Their numbers soared and they became the center of the conservative opposition.

Leaders from many of the former political parties, corporations, banks, etc. met for a clandestine meeting in the backroom of a shady bar in Brussels. There, the strategy to oppose the government was hatched. Thanks to the Soviet's removal of the royal family, these men now had the pawns to execute their plans. There was no shortage of Belgians signing up for their cause.

TODAY

The first phase of the conservative plan was finally being carried out - their followers massed in the streets of Brussels, wearing mostly black, and waving the flag of old Belgium and the flag of the monarchy. They held up signs saying, "Bring back our way of life!" "Better Dead than Red!," "God save the Monarchy!," and the like. The messages on the signs ranged, given the wide range of political ideologies that were taking part. They were mostly conservative. Things from quasi-fascist statements to monarchist pleas could be seen. The protesters marched on a Monday, on the day when the Soviet of People's Representatives was meeting and made their way outside the building. They chanted and blocked access to the building.

Their fight had begun.

OOC NOTE: I have been given permission by @Flying Damascas to take over the conservative counter-revolution in Belgium pursuant to the guidelines he gave me for their control.

 

[Flying Damascas]

The Metropolitan Police's Special Branch, a holdover from pre revolutionary era was tasked to moniter and if need be desperse the crowds outside the Soviet of People's Representatives building in Brussels, so the daily secession could commence as originally intended with order to use lethal rounds. From across the Peoples Representatives building two snipers would proceed to pick off at least 6 individuals and wound 3 more. On the left flank of the area two swat teams were poised ready to finish what the snipers had begun, the goal was to funnel the crowd to an alternate location such as a local park. On the right flank, another swat team was ready for engagement with two men in plainclothes. Things had gone horribly wrong on the ground.

@Suvorov

 

[JakeDorent]

The Brazilian Embassy in Brussels, noticing the commotion occurring nearby, let out the following statement

"The Brazilian Embassy is open for all Brazilians and Belgians alike who wish to seek refuge from the current unrest occurring within the city centre."

Upon hearing of the gunshots coming from the location the protests were taking place, the troops within the embassy quickly began making efforts to fortify the windows on the second and third floors of the building, troops peaking out of the windows at the streets, using tables and other furniture as cover, they were armed with Imbel GC Pistols, Imbel M964 Battle Rifles and one FN Minimi Machinegun. however, if needed, they had H&K MP5 Submachine guns, 3 other FN Minimi Machineguns and 1 Imbel AGLC Sniper rifle stored for extreme situations.

There were four guards on the first floor, 2 guards on the second floor with a Machinegun being positioned in the central window and another two guards on the third floor.

 

[Suvorov]

THE COUNTER-REVOLUTION BEGINS
PANIC IN THE STREETS!

Protesters fleeing the massacre
​

Jan Somers was a student at Free University of Brussels-VUB, he was president of the People's Union Student Association there. He has spoken vehemently against the Soviet government and had organized hundreds of students to join the protest. He was now covered in the blood of one of his classmates, his girlfriend Liesbeth. She was 19, bright-eyed with a future in medicine. Her future was ended by a sniper's bullet to the head. Jan had tried to help her but the swat teams forcibly cleared him from the protest area. He was in a daze, stunned. He could barely register what happened in all the panic. All he knew was that he was running alongside many others. When they finally stopped running, the collective confusion started to wear off. People were crying, wailing, and begging. What happened? Why did they immediately fire upon us? People asked around. People asked if they had seen any protesters act violently, but none could. The government had responded to a peaceful protest with an immediate use of deadly force. The people protesting were against the government for sure, but they never expected this reaction in Europe. Jan, still covered with the brain matter of Liesbeth looked around, "You see? THIS IS WHAT WE SAID WOULD HAPPEN! Look at what they have done to us? Our own people? This government has declared war on its own people! We are facing a modern day Soviet Union and the purge has begun. Our streets will run RED! WE CANNOT STAND FOR THIS. LONG LIVE BELGIUM! FIGHT MY BROTHERS!"

The crowd cheered, finding solace in the unity of their anger. The government had started a war on its people.

Within hours of the shooting, fliers were being secretly posted throughout Brussels. Pictures that were taken at the protest were being distributed and printed. Those reporters who had taken videos were copying them. The media war against the Soviet had started.

@Flying Damascas

 

[Odinson]

Private

Amid the protesting and fighting outside, the Norwegian embassy was taking in any Norwegian citizens from the outside as well as any Belgians who were seeking refuge. Meanwhile, the Ambassador picked up his phone and made a secure call to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oslo to explain the situation to him. The Foreign Minister offered assistance, but the ambassador turned it down for now. This call was done rather quickly, as the Ambassador needed to get back to making sure that the embassy was secure. Several officials from the embassy also made contact with Aftenposten and gave them information about what was going on.
@Suvorov

 

[Suvorov]

Several protesters and civilian bystanders alike would take advantage of the Norwegian and Brazilian embassy openings. Crowds formed around the embassies attempting to storm their way in. The panic crowds pushed and shoved trying to get some measure of safety.

---

@JakeDorent

The crowd outside the Brazilian embassy was wild. The Brazilians were to first to offer safe harbor. The panicked crowds were rushing to the gate. They cried and pleaded to be let inside. One older woman was trampled by the crowd. Philippe Beck was one such protester that made his way inside. He would seek out the Brazilian Ambassador. He was bleeding from his arm.

---

@Odinson

The scene outside the Norwegian embassy was similar to that of the one outside the Brazilian Embassy. Hundreds of people were jockeying to be let inside. Some were wounded. Another protester, Karl Martens, approached the Norwegian ambassador, asking for an audience.

 

[Odinson]

Luckily, the Norwegian embassy in Belgium was massive. Security for the building made a decision to only allow Norwegian citizens above the second floor of the building. Everyone did, of course, have to go through medal detectors before they could fully make it into the building. Live updates were being given to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by embassy staff. To authenticate their identities, Norwegians would of course have to show their passport or answer some questions, in Norwegian, if they had lost it or didn't have it on them. The Belgians were allowed inside by the unarmed security who were guiding them into the lobby. The Norwegian Ambassador to Belgium, Bjorn Stoltenberg, was downstairs in the lobby as the crowds began rushing towards the doors. His security detail remained by his side as he, security officers, embassy staff, and some Norwegian citizens helped bring injured people inside. First aid kits from upstairs were brought to treat those who were injured or shot. After helping bring inside several injured people, Ambassador Stoltenberg was approached by an officer from the security team who mentioned Karl Martens.

The security officer guided Bjorn over to Karl. Bjorn no longer had his suite jacket, and his white cotton shirt had blood smeared on it from his right shoulder down almost to his left hip. Of course, it wasn't his blood.

"Hello," Bjorn said in to Karl Martens. "I'm Ambassador Stoltenberg. I was told you wanted to speak to me?" he asked.
@Suvorov

 

[Suvorov]

The crowds filtered into the Norwegian building but the metal detectors slowed the process down somewhat. Several protesters were found to have been armed with small knives or clubs. All of the weapons recovered were clean, showing they had never been used. Those detained said that they were fearful of the government and had carried those items as protection. They said they never expected to be shot at but thought that the government would use some level of force against them. Those caught with weapons still begged to be let inside. Some in the crowds were upset when Norwegians were being escorted to the second story. The herd mentality of the scared people was to get as deep into perceived safety as possible. Several Belgians were pushing to be let upstairs as well. Some tried to speak Norwegian to pass the tests. One Norwegian man was almost attacked for his passport before security forces scared his attackers off.

Karl Martens approached the ambassador, "Thank you for meeting me, sir. My name is Karl Martens, I am a student at Free University of Brussels-VUB.... I encouraged many of my classmates to attend this rally.... I am at a loss for words. I beg you and your government to help us. Please put the word out internationally what you have seen here today. I know some people that came through had some form of protection on them, but please, understand that we were right to try to protect ourselves. We never hurt anyone... they... they killed them.... our own people. This cannot stand in Europe!"

@Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Any weapons found by security would be confiscated and brought into an even more secure location of the embassy. However, those that had the weapons on them would still be allowed inside. Anyone who was injured would be prioritized. The third in command of security was given the task of making a public service announcement to calm everyone down. He was armed with a HK416 assault rifle. He stood up on a chair towards the back of the lobby and, at first, yelled into a megaphone to get everyone's attention.

He spoke firmly in French, "HELLO! I am Karl Andersen, the Deputy Chief of Diplomatic Security. You are inside of our embassy now, and you are safe. So please, calm down. We are going to bring medical care and also food in the next fifteen minutes or so. However, we need to get you all sorted. From this point forward, anyone who begins fighting or assaulting anyone else will be ejected from the embassy..." he let those words sink in for a moment, and could sense that he was reestablishing order.

"The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed us that we are allowed to issue temporary refugee status as we see fit to any Belgian here... In order to do that, we will need to talk to each of you and gather your information. We will do this orderly and as quickly as we can. Please listen to these instructions..." Karl continued to speak and gave detailed instructions. There were a series of what looked like ticket booths in the back of the lobby. Each booth was now labeled with large letters and with "Last name" written above them in French. Karl informed them that they were to make lines depending on their last name and be prepared to give any identification they had on them, the more the better. Afterwards, they would go to another area to have their picture and finger prints taken. He made it clear that they would continue doing this until they had served everyone, and that there was no rush in order to keep them calm, and he reiterated that anyone caught starting fights would be ejected from the embassy. Finally, he said that anyone who was shot or seriously injured would have embassy staff go to them, and that they didn't need to get up and wait in the lines.

The Ambassador leaned forward and listened to Karl Martens. "As you just heard, Mr. Martens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has green-lit us to give out temporary refugee status to anyone I deem worthy of it. That means they can stay here in the embassy, or we can take them back to Norway until this situation is resolved. If you want to help, you need to keep your friends here calm. With so many people here it's... it's impossible to ignore. I'm sure the government will do something about this. But please, keep your friends calm and make sure they follow the instructions to get processed."

Soon warm, fresh food and coffee was being brought out and handed to anyone that wanted it. Meanwhile, the embassy's medical staff continued to treat those who were injured or bleeding. They were keeping detailed notes as to what the injuries were, and especially how many of them were shot. While it wasn't possible to conduct a full interview, medical staff would generally ask what they were doing before they were shot, and if they could see the person and if so what they were wearing.

Meanwhile, most of the unused embassy was being converted into sleeping and living areas on some of the higher floors for those who wished to claim refugee status. Bathrooms were cleaned, and all staff were recalled to the embassy since this was a "All hands on deck" scenario.
@Suvorov

 

[JakeDorent]

The Brazilian Embassy had put in place a plan. the first floor would be used to keep all of the people with a desk being placed to check the Brazilian Passports of every individual, while the second one would be reserved to the defenceless, such as the elderly, the children, the disabled and pregnant women, no matter the nationality, the third one would be used to hold those who had been injured, as well as the offices of the Ambassador and other members of the leadership of the Embassy.

The entrance's security would try their best to lead the people into the embassy in an orderly manner, using security protocols with metal detectors to check for any weapons, separating those who had weapons and stripping them from the citizens.

The troops placed on the windows would watch as the people would come to the Embassy, checking for those who were injured or needed help.

As the citizens arrived, the Embassy executed its plan, attempting their best to lead the people in an orderly manner as they went through the front door, the security would then separate those who had metals with them, stripping them from their weapons and questioning them, once the people made their way to the desk, those with real Brazilian Passports were allowed through, as well as those who were defenceless or Injured, being helped by Employees from the Embassy.

The Troops noticed the elderly woman being trampled, alerting the group in the front door, who rushed to assist her into the Embassy. bringing her to the third floor. Ambassador Arnaldo de Noronha was assisting the defenceless into the correct rooms, a security guard walking to him and leading him to Philippe. once there he spoke.

"My goodness, you are wounded sir! We need to take care of your wound first, come with me." the Ambassador brought the man into the third floor, where volunteers and a few guards were helping the wounded.

Once Phillipe's arm had been properly bandaged, Arnaldo brought him to his office, where they spoke.

"So, what did you wish to talk to me about sir?"

Once much of the crowd was put inside the Embassy, the security began making efforts to try and calm down the civilians, ensuring that they were safe and away from harm.

The Embassy was a rather small building, but they were ready to do whatever was possible to keep both its own native citizens and the Belgian citizens safe.

@Suvorov

 

[Logan]

With shots ringing out in Brussels, the Roman Embassy's security team would usher nonessential personnel to the basement for safety, while establishing a perimeter around each of the doors, the front door's security checkpoint being manned with guards that now carried Benelli M4 Super 90s, loaded with #00 Buckshot. The Roman Embassy would announce that any protestors fleeing the violence in Brussels would be welcome in the Embassy, so long as they were willing to go through a quick security sweep to make sure that no one attempted to enter and shoot up the place.

Meanwhile, in Rome, the commanders of the Imperial Protection Bureau, Imperial Roman Air Force, and Imperial Roman Army, were huddled in a situation room, on the phone with the Ambassador, keeping tabs on what happened in Brussels, in case any action were to take place against the Roman Embassy.

 

[Alex]

Noticing the protests had now turned violent, the Chinese government would have advised the embassy in Brussels to go into high security and locked their doors. Considering that these protesters were against the communist government and that China made it no secret that it supported any and all communist nations, the embassy guards would be armed and prepared to counter any attack from protesters. Furthermore, a statement would be posted by President Hu Jintao himself:

"It is with high regret that my government and I observe the current situation in Belgium. While violent protests are not something that a modern nation should resort to when trying to accomplish change. However, the People's Republic of China will not support the actions of the Soviet government of Belgium after they used lethal force against their own citizens. But with that said, China still stands strong in saying that the communist party of Belgium is still the legal, legitimate government of the nation. We ask that both parties stop the violence and find mutual ground immediately before more violence occurs.

Lastly, the Chinese embassy will close its doors and remain neutral in this matter. The embassy will only be granting asylum to Chinese and Japanese citizens.

More updates will be given soon. Thank you."

 

[Connor]

The situation in Brussels was of growing concern and very quickly, and naturally, the news made it's way to the Swedish Department of Foreign Affairs who sit as the department responsible for Swedish interests abroad. In this case it was no secret that the Swedish had no embassy in Belgium however did possess three honorary consulates, one of which being the Consulate General of Sweden in Brussels.

The Kingdom of Sweden has always been passionate about the usage of diplomatic missions abroad as a safe haven for this in desperate need, especially considering the protected right held in international law respecting the ground of the sending state. Sweden, like many nations already had, intended to take advantage of these rights in order to protect the innocent from the barbaric attacks occurring in the capital however this came with the undoubted security risk to what was essentially just an office block - something the state had not pre-prepared for. The instructions from the Department of Foreign Affairs was strictly to only permit entry to pregnant women, children and the wounded until appropriate security personnel were in place to secure the property and ensure the safety of those seeking refuge and the Swedish staff within.

Consulate General of Sweden in Antwerp and the Consulate of Sweden in Leige were put on unconditional and immediate lock down with doors and windows being locked and secured. External CCTV was rolling on the perimeter of the building. Staff were advised to seek refuge higher in the building in the event of a breach.

The Swedish Department of Foreign Affairs demands that the the Council Republic of Belgium permit the deployment and access to the country by the Swedish Security and Intelligence Service Diplomatic Protection personnel with the equipment appropriate to secure Swedish interests abroad; alongside the appropriate diplomatic immunity. It was reinforced by the reminder that failure to permit the lawful security of Swedish nationals will be taken very seriously.

 

[Flying Damascas]

As the crowds dispersed, the government would authorize the deployment of the Belgian People's National Guard into the streets to disarm the police and set up security checkpoints operating on a rotational basis so as to maintain order in the capital. In response to the brutal crackdown both the Soviet and Communist Worker's Organization would issue statements of condemnation concerning the actions of the local metropolitan police and send their condolences to the families of those killed while engaging in peaceful protest. Furthermore the government shall see to it that the requests of The Kingdom of Sweden are fulfilled so as to allow Swedish security and intelligence to secure their countries interests on Belgian soil.

 

[Connor]

Not wasting any time the Swedish Department of Foreign Affairs informs the Council Republic of Belgium of the ten personnel arriving imminently.

With this an urgent appeal to the Secretary of Defence Peter Hultqvist, the cabinet member responsible for the Swedish Security and Intelligence Service (SSIS), in order to arrange the temporarily named Belgian Diplomatic Task Force headed by a Sergeant and joined by nine armed officers trained in the rules of engagement in the now Republic of Belgium. Each officer is equipped with a more-advanced police outfit including full Swedish police public order outfit and vest clearly identifying the officers, personal issued radios on an encrypted network to allow talk group and point-to-point communication, standard-issue police taser with appropriate cartridges, sidearm SIG Sauer P229 with appropriate ammunition, overtly carried black LWRC M6 assault rifle with appropriate ammunition, expandable batons and pepper spray. The specifics of this deployment are temporarily classified with a 'SECURE' level given in line with the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995.

Alongside the officers attending is some cargo including ammunition and taser cartridges, medical supplies, basic food and water as well as tear gas canisters. A van, hired from the local airport and clearly booked by the Swedish Department of Defence, is waiting at the airport to collect both the officers and the goods. A chartered flight is booked and the officers will travel armed with their sidearms for the duration of the flight - the Belgian authorities are advised of this fact prior to their arrival.

In order to lay down ground rules the Swedish Consulate General is advised of the Belgian Diplomatic Task Force heading their way in the next few hours. The Belgian authorities are advised that all diplomatic missions with the Kingdom of Sweden as a sending state are closed to foreign nationals excluding those present in Brussels in which the staff will exercise their moral duties. Under no circumstances are the Belgian authorities to engage with Swedish Security and Intelligence Service we are simply in a position to ensure the safety of civilians. The Kingdom of Sweden will remain within the boundaries of international law throughout this crisis.

 

[John]

Upon hearing the shots ringing out around Brussels, the two Marine Security Guards at the gated entrance to the US Embassy, dressed in their formal wear - would close said gates, before speaking through their radios to the inside of the building. A few minutes later, their relief arrives at the gates as three Marines from inside the building had been given accessed to the Embassy's armoury and were now donned in their Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops and M40 field protective masks. Two of them would have their M16A4s slung on their backs and all three would be carrying Beretta M9s holstered in their preferred positions. Two of the marines would be holding Side-handle batons and Riot Shields, those two would be standing closest to the gate - meanwhile the third marine would be carrying a M32 MGL loaded with 40mm Tear gas, in place of the M16A4 which is comrades were carrying, on his back was slung a Remington Model 870, loaded with Bean bag rounds.

Although the gates were closed, the marines were ordered to allow American citizens to enter. Meanwhile, the three DSS Agents currently stationed at the embassy would don their light tactical vests, and would also be given access to their armour to equip their Sig Sauer P226 sidearms and M4 carbines.

Whilst all of this was happening, the ambassador had been on the phone to his contact back home, in order to relay what is happening.

 

[Bruno]

With Belgium seemingly falling into chaos, and becoming a regime to which Imperial Germany was not so fond off having right on its borders, a Emergency Council meeting would be scheduled held between the Kaiser , the Chancellor and the cabinet, in secret.

The German embassy in Belgium would be secured by the security staff and ready to receive any German citizen or any other foreigner trying to escape such chaos. The Security staff would be advised to use to non-lethal weapons encase the worse would happen, it was doctrine to to not use lethal force towards the Belgian Civilians.

 

[Flying Damascas]

To All Foreign Nationals, The National Guard has decided to impose a strict curfew around the area where the crackdown took place in Brussels a few days ago to take effect at around 8 pm and end at 8 am. Please take the appropriate measures to ensure your physical well being in particular by having your passports and identification cards on hand should you be stopped by a national guardsman. Those without their passports or identification cards shall be placed in temporary custody of the state until steps can be taken to secure your exit from the country. Furthermore, foreign nationals taking part in provocative actions may be subject to detainment for disturbing the peace.

Please contact your country's embassy if you have further questions, Thank You!

 

[Connor]

Swedish Security and Intelligence Service​

With Belgium only being in continental Europe it didn't take much time for the chartered airliner to land in an orderly fashion at Brussels Airport, the officers throughout the flight had preparing themselves for the unexpected and possibly for an escalation of circumstances. In their initial training process the Swedish Security and Intelligence Service, a recent amalgamation of the Swedish Military Intelligence Service and the Swedish Security Service, receive a high amount of sophisticated training in international law with consideration to their ability to not only be deployed around the globe but also noting their diplomatic protection role for which the service is primarily orientated. They are instructed by the task force Sergeant that under no circumstances are they to liaise with Belgian authorities unless extenuating circumstances put life, limb or property in immediate danger.

Once alighting the aircraft the team would immediately walk, in full uniform, to the cargo terminal in which they would expect to receive the crates they travelled with containing essential relief supplies. Meanwhile the Sergeant passes through all relevant security checkpoints, declaring all his equipment and presenting all necessary documentation from the Swedish Department of Defence, allowing him to walk out the airport and collect the prebooked van which will allow the transportation of these goods. Staff within the cargo terminal and kindly asked if they would load the van with their equipment.

The Sergeant, once the task force is loaded into the van with the crates, would then begin radio testing - with consideration to the fact there's no established control room in Belgium the Sergeant will take this role and be referred to as such throughout the tour. All radios are tested to ensure they are in working condition and voices can be heard loud and clear.

The travel through Belgian traffic to the Swedish Consulate General begins.

--

Noting the recent announcement from the Belgian National Guard the Swedish Department of Foreign Affairs releases an emergency alert to all Swedish nationals abroad:

"An 0800-2000hrs curfew is in effect within Brussels. If you are stuck abroad please visit or call the Swedish Consulate General immediately. In the event you are confronted by Belgian authorities, do not panic, present your Swedish passport and appropriate visas calmly; should you be detained you must not retaliate, instead contact the Consulate General once in custody for free and independent legal support."​

 

[Suvorov]

@Odinson

With the ambassador's announcement, many of the people calmed down somewhat. The imposition of authority was comforting, it made them feel that they were in a space where law and order controlled. The people inside began to follow instructions and huddled together for safety and comfort. The food and coffee were a major boost to morale. Karl said to the ambassador, "We Belgians thank you. We hope you see this government for what it is." With that, Karl Martens went back into the crowd to try to help the Norwegians keep the peace.

@JakeDorent

The people struggled to get inside but the Brazilian plan seemed effective. Small weapons were recovered from a few of the protesters but they all maintained that they were to protect themselves against an attack. Philippe followed the ambassador and when given the opportunity he said, "Look at what these dogs have done to us, their own people. We did nothing but exercise our right to protest. This government is a blight on the nation. Please, help us however you can. Belgium must be free!"

@Logan

A similar scene unfolded in front of the Roman embassy. People fought and jostled their way to try to get inside. The armed presence of the Roman soldiers around the perimeter had a chilling effect on the crowd, fearful of being shot at once again. The few that braved the Roman guards thanked the Romans profusely. John Almaci, a protester wearing all black and with a bruise to the forehead asked for an audience with the ambassador.

@Connor

The Swedish would only permit the entry of pregnant women and the wounded, sorting these people in the crowd was proving difficult. People were vying for a chance to get in and grew increasingly frustrated at being turned away. The real struggle began when the Swedish security team was making their way through the front door. The crowds banged on the doors of the vehicle and cried out for help. They tried to block the vehicle form entering, demanding that all people be let inside.

@Fairhold @John @Alex

The fleeing crowds did not take well to being denied entry. People were scattering and running into any building they could find. The embassies were particularly attractive because of the presence of armed guards not aligned with the Soviets. Crowds formed outside these respective embassies and the people begged to be allowed entry. Those attempting to make their way through the crowd because they were permitted entry found it extremely difficult to do so.