Counter-terrorism at administrative level

On Tuesday 20 March, the Lower House of the Dutch Parliament passed a bill that will, among other things, restrict the freedom of movement of terrorists. The Lower House approved the new law, the National Security Administrative Measures Act [Wet bestuurlijke maatregelen nationale veiligheid], by an overwhelming majority. The bill is part of a new package of counter-terrorism measures. It makes it possible to bar individuals who have not yet committed a criminal act but are suspected of planning a terrorist attack from entering specific locations (for example Schiphol Airport or in and around the government buildings in The Hague). It will also oblige such individuals to check in with the police at regular intervals. The Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is authorised to impose this measure, which then remains in force for three months but can be extended to up to two years.

The bill also gives local authorities new counter-terrorism powers. Local mayors and executive councillors may reject an application for a grant or a permit/exemption, or withdraw a grant or permit that has already been approved, if it can be linked to terrorist activities or support for such activities. The Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations must first issue a certificate of no objection, however.

An amendment to the bill contains a provision stating that the law will expire on 1 January 2012, unless the expiry date is annulled by royal decree before that time. In that case, the law will remain in force indefinitely. The law will be evaluated in three years’ time; one of the points to be considered is whether the expiry date of 1 January 2012 should be enforced.The Minister of the Interior, Guusje Ter Horst, will report to the Lower House each year indicating how often such administrative measures have been applied.