New anti-terror laws approved in Belgium

Controversial new anti-terrorism legislation has been approved by a massive majority in Belgium’s lower house of parliament. The legislation will allow the police to search the homes of suspects both day and night, and authorises certain types of surveillance without the need for permission from the courts.

Prosecutors want to be able to carry out investigations while bypassing lengthy legal procedures. But there is already opposition. The bill was approved by 80 votes to 8. There were 37 abstentions. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the proposed legislation. It still needs the approval of Belgium’s upper house before it can become law.

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