Tech & Rights

Belgium Should Halt Emergency Examination of Terrorism Bills

Government bills aimed at combatting terrorism were urgently introduced in Parliament and raise many concerns. They deserve a careful and in-depth study by lawmakers.

by David Morelli
A woman writes a message during a gathering in Brussels on March 23, 2016, in honor of victims of terrorism. (Photo: Valentina Calà)
As a result of the emergency procedure, the Belgian Parliament hastily considered the bills, and debate will be limited to a strict minimum.

According to the Belgian League of Human Rights (LDH) and Amnesty International Belgium, these bills deal with very complex issues involving substantial amendments to both the criminal law and criminal procedure, and will have a very real and significant impact on basic rights.

Careful consideration needed

One of the bills concerns the expansion of public incitement to commit terrorist offenses, which implies restricting freedom of speech and using criminal law as a prevention tool. In addition, that amendment does not comply with the jurisprudence of the European Courts of Human Rights.

The same bill will also bring about discussion on an amendment to pre-trial detention of terrorist suspects that represents significant changes in the paradigms of criminal law. This is why the bill deserves an in-depth debate and a careful assessment of the existing provisions.

Another bill is meant to reform and "modernize" the methods of special investigation and research into terrorism activities. It is absolutely impossible to carefully analyze the approximately 300-page-long document, even though organizations have always advocated for an assessment of the existing methods.

Parliament must play its part

The government spent many months working on the preparation of these measures, and it is now requiring the Parliament to vote these bills through before the parliamentary recess.

It is unfortunate and dangerous that the Parliament responds positively to the government’s requirement, when an emergency review of such significant bills is completely inappropriate.

Organizations therefore call on the Parliament to play its part and review the bills in accordance with Belgium's international obligations regarding fundamental rights before their adoption.


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