Netherlands moves to criminalize glorifying terrorism
The Dutch government has proposed legislation that would make it illegal to glorify terrorism or publicly support terrorist organizations, citing the growing threat such acts pose to national security and the democratic rule of law. The bill, which has completed its consultation phase, has now been sent to the Council of State for review.
Justice and Security Minister Van Oosten said the law sends a clear message: “Terrorist organizations try to spread their ideology not only through violence but also by distributing violent messages to attract supporters and inspire participation in terrorist crimes. This bill draws a clear line: glorifying terrorist acts or expressing support for terrorist organizations is unacceptable and punishable in the Netherlands.”
Under the proposed law, publicly praising a terrorist act that could carry a life sentence, such as an attack resulting in deaths or injuries, would be punishable by up to three years in prison or a high fine.
Distributing materials that glorify terrorist violence, such as videos of attacks accompanied by approving comments, would carry a prison term of up to two years or a fine.
Publicly expressing support for banned terrorist organizations, including through flags, clothing with symbols or logos, or statements on social media, would also be punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine.
The consultation phase for the bill, which began in June, drew more than 15,000 responses from citizens and organizations. Many respondents raised questions about which behaviors would fall under the proposed criminal provisions. In response, the government clarified the bill’s language, giving concrete examples of actions that would be punishable and those that would not.
