Dutch Parliament approves anti-terror measures

The Dutch parliament approved new anti-terrorism measures Tuesday that make it easier to arrest suspects without strong evidence and hold them longer without charge. Prosecutors will be able to approve surveillance, infiltration or wiretapping of suspects even when there is not “reasonable suspicion” that a suspect may have committed a criminal act.

The new law, which goes into effect immediately, is the latest of many enacted in the Netherlands since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the U.S.

Earlier changes have included allowing the use of evidence gathered by the secret service in criminal trials, banning membership in a terrorist group and increased penalties for terrorism-related crimes.

The new law also will expand the practice of allowing spot searches by police without probable cause in “airports, industrial complexes, sports stadiums and government buildings.”

Finally, the law increases the period of time a suspect can be held without charge from three to 14 days.

There has been little protest about the loss of civil liberties from such laws in the Netherlands, where trust in government is traditionally strong.

Read full article: Associated Press, 24 May 2006