Level V: 5 proposals to increase security

The terrorist attacks on European territory confront us with a harsh reality: an enemy that is constantly changing shape is forcing us to protect citizens and democracy in new ways. Therefore, the N-VA is proposing a package of security measures that is to provide the intelligence services, the legal system, police and governmental authorities with more powers in the fight against terror. All these proposals are within the limits of the rule of law, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Legal framework for state of emergency

N-VA wants a legal framework for a state of emergency, as exists in the Netherlands, the UK and France. When public order and public security are under threat, the Belgian National Security Council must be able to declare a state of emergency when the threat level is at 4, in the opinion of the party. The parliament must ratify this decision, which applies for three months, within five days. During the state of emergency, governmental authorities can for example stop meetings, impose house arrest and prohibit propaganda.

Terror courts

The security plan also includes five specialised and secured terror courts at the level of the judicial area. Today, the biggest districts are already organised like this, but the N-VA wishes to bring about consistency in the administration of justice and uniformity in this way. A specialised judge will also be installed at the level of the council chamber and the chamber for indictments.

Strengthening administrative authorities

Finally, local police and mayors have a big responsibility in following up on radicalised persons, potential terrorists and fighters who have returned from Syria. The N-VA’s security plan provides them with the means to carry out that task. For example, mayors can directly ask the public prosecutor’s office to conduct investigations, first responders must report indications of terrorism and local police can film and shadow people.