Dutch Justice Minister David van Wiel is calling on parliament to speed up legislation criminalizing the glorification of terrorism and public support for terrorist organizations following demonstrations in Amsterdam celebrating Hamas and the October 7 massacre.
On October 7, about 150 protesters gathered in Dam Square in Amsterdam, displaying banners reading "We support Hamas" and chanting "Long live October 7." Some also displayed symbols associated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, another terrorist organization designated by the European Union.
The police prevented the demonstrators from marching towards the city's Jewish quarter, but the authorities concluded that the displays were not illegal under existing legislation.
During a heated parliamentary debate on October 13, lawmakers condemned the protests, while Geert Wilders demanded stronger action against Hamas supporters. Van Wiel also described the intimidation caused by a convoy of motorcyclists that traveled through Amsterdam denouncing people dressed as Hamas fighters.
The proposed legislation would introduce prison sentences of up to two years for glorifying serious attacks in public or supporting banned terrorist organizations, including through flags and symbols, and up to one year for spreading terrorism glorifying material.