Minister Van Weel of Justice and Security: “Terrorist and violent messages spread rapidly around the world, especially via social media. Terrorist groups try to draw others into a dangerous ideology. The spread of these messages, for example by waving flags of banned terrorist organizations, can contribute to making others ideologically ripe for supporting or ultimately participating in terrorist crimes. Therefore, we now propose to criminalize the glorification of terrorism and the open support of terrorist organizations, with a corresponding maximum penalty. We set a standard and thus protect our society and democratic rule of law.”

The bill provides for 3 new criminal offenses. Firstly, it will be illegal to publicly praise or commend a committed terrorist crime for which a life sentence can be imposed, such as a terrorist attack resulting in casualties. This so-called glorification of terrorism can be punished with a prison sentence of up to 3 years or a hefty fine. Distributing material that glorifies terrorist violence, such as a video of an attack with laudatory comments, will also be criminalized. For this offense, a prison sentence of up to 2 years or a fine can be imposed.

Furthermore, publicly expressing support for banned terrorist organizations will be made illegal. This can occur if someone publicly waves flags of banned terrorist organizations or wears clothing with certain symbols or logos of a banned terrorist organization. Expressing support in (social) media will also be criminalized. For this behavior, a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment or a fine applies. With these measures, the government aims to prevent terrorist messages from being normalized and to further undermine society through terrorist influences.