Etterbeek Residents Protest Home Entry Law

Dozens of Etterbeek residents in Belgium protested in front of the town hall on Monday evening. They are asking the municipal government to adopt a motion against a draft law allowing home entries. After the protest, participants submitted a citizen interpellation signed by 99 residents during a city council meeting.

The proposed measure, part of a federal draft law discussed within the European return policy, would allow police to enter private homes without criminal procedure. The sole purpose would be detaining people without proper documentation, according to protestors. They believe this violates the rule of law and conflicts with Etterbeek’s 2018 “Welcoming Municipality” motion.

Thierry Vuylsteke of the Wemeet collective notes an imbalance between administrative removal and the right to privacy. Activists also argue the requirement for an investigating judge’s order is insufficient to prevent abuse.

The group hopes the government will listen to concerns raised by municipalities and organizations. The future of the draft law remains uncertain.