Human Rights League concerned over criminalisation of civil disobedience

The Belgian Human Rights League is sounding the alarm as Belgium's federal parliament prepares to vote on amendments to the Criminal Code, expressing concerns over potential restrictions on freedom of expression and protest. A proposed article on "malicious interference with public authority", in particular, could criminalize certain forms of social and political dissent, the organisation fears.

The issue has sparked widespread debate, with civil society organisations, including the Human Rights League, cautioning against adopting the article. The organisation's concern stems from the broad and vague language of the proposed legislation, which they fear could have far-reaching implications for individual liberties and civil rights.

For the government, the law should be an instrument against "a serious and real threat to national security, public health or morals". The human rights organisation, however, considers it a "dangerous signal to restrict civil disobedience in this way".

"Breaking a law in a public and non-violent manner makes it possible to revive a public debate and thus bring about change"

Moreover, there are fears that such vague legislation could be politically exploited, potentially leading to the criminalization of lawful protests and demonstrations. The Human Rights League emphasizes the crucial role of civil disobedience in challenging government actions that violate the principles of the rule of law.

"Breaking a law in a public and non-violent manner makes it possible to revive a public debate and thus bring about change," says the Human Rights League. "Moreover, civil disobedience is essential when a state violates the principles of the rule of law, as is increasingly the case in Belgium."

^{The federal parliament in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}