More and more experts are questioning the decision by Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever (Flemish nationalist) to impose a house arrest on 47 youngsters this New Year's Eve. Several experts say he is overstepping the limits of his powers and playing judge and jury. Youth workers see more benefit in prevention.
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Antwerp Mayor Bart De Wever’s house arrest for youngsters with a record fuels concern about a police state
Colin Clapson
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For the third year in a row, Antwerp Mayor De Wever is imposing preventive house arrest on several dozen Antwerp youths on New Year's Eve. This year they number 47. The figure is higher than in previous years. According to Mr De Wever, the youngsters committed serious offences in the past and pose a risk to public order. As in past years, lawyers and youth workers are questioning this approach.
‘It is a failure of society at large if measures are imposed that seek out the limits of the law,’ says Maret Dakaeva of Uit De Marge vzw, an organisation that supports youth workers.
‘House arrest is a punishment and not a preventive measure. If offences are committed, a response should follow, absolutely. But these youngsters are now being kept at home before they have even done anything,’ Ms Dakaeva says.
She calls for greater prevention. ‘Youth workers are familiar with the lives of young people and can identify the factors that lead to young people derailing.’
‘Legal basis is lacking’
Kati Verstrepen, lawyer at the Human Rights League, says there is no legal basis for the measure. ‘Only when there is a legal basis can our fundamental rights and freedoms be curtailed. Mr De Wever does not possess this power under municipal legislation, neither in the law on policing, neither in the law on municipal administrative sanctions. Rioters must play by the rules, but so must Mayor De Wever!’
Ms Verstrepen warns of the prospect of a police state. ‘There is a separation of powers in this country. Politicians should not act like judges. At present only a limited number of young people are affected for a limited time, but if this can be done, it opens the way for more measures affecting more people!’