Dutch justice minister urges swift passage of law criminalizing glorification of terrorism after pro-Hamas Amsterdam protest

Dutch Justice and Security Minister David van Weel has urged parliament to move quickly on legislation that would criminalize the glorification of serious terrorist attacks and public support for banned terrorist organizations, following a pro-Hamas demonstration in Amsterdam on Oct. 7.

During the protest on Dam Square, demonstrators displayed a large banner reading “We support Hamas,” chanted “Long live the 7th of October,” and burned an Israeli flag. Some participants also displayed symbols linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which, like Hamas, is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union.

Police and prosecutors concluded that the slogans and banners did not violate existing Dutch law. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema later dissolved the demonstration, and police prevented participants from marching toward the city’s Jewish quarter.

Van Weel told parliament on Oct. 13 that the celebration of the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 attacks had gone “far beyond” his limits and pressed lawmakers to accelerate consideration of the government’s terrorism-glorification bill.

The proposed law would allow prison sentences of up to two years for publicly glorifying the most serious terrorist offenses or publicly supporting banned terrorist groups, including in some circumstances through flags, logos and other symbols. Distributing material that glorifies terrorism could carry a maximum sentence of one year.

The bill was submitted to parliament in June but has not yet been passed. It would expand existing criminal law, which generally requires additional context such as incitement before expressions of support can be prosecuted.