Minister De Crem was put to the test in the Internal Affairs committee about the situation on the coast last weekend. Various committee members asked themselves a lot of questions, not only about the bustle on the coast, “which could have been perfectly anticipated”, but also and especially about the rioters in Blankenberge. Some committee members blamed the minister for the federal government having abandoned coastal mayors and there was no plan for domestic tourism in corona times.
Several committee members also demanded a plan of action against rioters on the coast. De Crem announced that he is working on a ban on space for amok makers, which will apply on the entire coast and, if necessary, also in the recreational areas. That ban on places will be imposed by judicial or administrative authorities, the minister added, that has yet to be examined. “I will continue to act to maintain public order”, said De Crem, “those guys are not bosses here and never will be.”
In addition, De Crem also advocates a duty to report during a heat wave for people who are already known to the court for criminal offenses. They should report to the police station of their place of residence, so that the police can check whether they are complying with the restraining order. De Crem does not want to close stations. “That would be out of proportion and punish the ordinary day trippers.”
“We will introduce the ban on places and the control thereof lies at the place of domicile”, says De Crem in “Het Journaal”. “I leave it in the middle who is going to check that, but in any case it will happen.” He calls the restraining order “particularly important” for people who go to the coast, to recreational areas or public places in the summer. It will apply to people who “, for example, have been convicted or administratively punished (GAS fine, ed.)”. Inquiries with the Cabinet of the Interior show that the restraining order will only apply in the future to those who commit similar acts – it will therefore not apply to acts committed in the past – and either to the place where he / she misbehaved, either for the entire coast, or also for recreational areas. That will then depend on the gravity of the facts.
(The text continues below the video.)
Watch an excerpt from the committee:
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