A Unified Voice from 10,000 Strikers in Brussels
In the heart of Europe, Brussels witnessed a massive gathering of around 10,000 protesters on October 5th, 2023. Their unified voice echoed the sentiment that “protesters aren’t criminals.” The nationwide strike was primarily aimed at opposing the ‘Van Quickenborne bill’, which many believe would curtail the fundamental right to protest.
Background:
The bill, named after the federal justice minister Vincent Van Quickenborne, proposed a reform of the penal code to introduce a new penalty specifically for rioters. Critics argue that this bill blurs the distinction between rioters and activists, potentially criminalizing peaceful protests.
Controversial Aspects of the Bill:
The most debated part of the bill would empower judges to impose a ban on protesting for up to three years, and in the case of repeat offenses, up to five years. This ban could be imposed on individuals who cause damage during demonstrations or exhibit violence against law enforcement.
Unified Opposition:
Under the rallying cry “protesters are not criminals”, a coalition comprising Belgium’s three main trade unions (FGTB, CSC, CGSLB) and several human-rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Greenpeace, marched through the streets of Brussels. Their primary demand was the complete withdrawal of the bill, which they believe threatens the fundamental right to protest.
Voices from the Ground:
Greenpeace spokesperson Joeri Thijs expressed concerns about the broad scope of the bill, which could potentially target non-violent protesters. The Confederation of Christian Trade Unions of Belgium (CSC) also echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the risk of peaceful collective actions being hindered.
The Intended Purpose vs. Practical Implications:
While the bill’s proponents argue that its primary aim is to target those who exploit protests to incite violence, critics believe its broad scope could be misused to target peaceful protesters. For instance, if an activist were to stage a non-violent protest by tying themselves to a company’s door, would that be considered property damage under the new law?
Current Status:
Originally scheduled for approval in July, the bill’s voting process was delayed due to strong opposition from activist groups and a request from the Belgian left-wing PVDA party. Although several amendments have been proposed, critics still find them inadequate.
The massive turnout in Brussels underscores the importance of preserving the fundamental right to protest. As the debate around the ‘Van Quickenborne bill’ continues, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and upholding democratic values.