Dutch government plans to ban face coverings during demonstrations

According to Ukrinform, citing NOS, the document has the support of the majority in parliament.

“The Cabinet has completed the drafting of a bill on a nationwide ban on wearing clothing that covers the face during demonstrations,” the report says.

It is noted that the government is also considering tightening legislation on demonstrations, in particular introducing separate criminal liability for damage to cultural heritage sites and blocking roads and railway tracks.

However, a recent study commissioned by politicians showed that most protests do not pose a threat to public order: 97% of demonstrations take place without incident, and only in 0.03% of cases were more than ten violations recorded during protests.

Minister of Justice and Security Foort van Oosten noted that the law is intended to send a clear signal to a small group of demonstrators who abuse the right to protest for vandalism or violence against the police. He stressed that it is important to ensure a sense of security for law-abiding participants: “They should not think that it is better to stay away.”

The bill stipulates that violating the ban on wearing clothing that covers the face can be punished with a fine of up to EUR 5,150 or imprisonment for up to two months. Exceptions are made for those who have valid reasons for concealing their faces, such as the risk of persecution abroad.

Amendments to the law on public gatherings are currently being submitted for discussion to law enforcement agencies, the legal community, judicial authorities, and the Human Rights Board. Citizens will be able to express their opinions on the website internetconsultatie.nl in the coming weeks. The opinions of city mayors will also be taken into account: the new bill provides that instead of bans, mayors will be able to grant exemptions to individuals or groups of demonstrators.

As reported by Ukrinform, in September, a demonstration against immigration in The Hague escalated into clashes with law enforcement officers.

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