Politically inspired crimes because of religious extremism or anarchist or extreme left-wing ideologies have never been so many in Belgium according to a response by Justice Minister Koen Geens ( CD & V) to a parliamentary question, De Tijd reported. In the past, very few people were prosecuted in Belgium for crimes and offenses against the security of the state, such as preparation of attacks against the monarchy or the government, taking arms against Belgium, collaboration with foreign armies, and incitement to war against the country.
In 2000, 21 cases of this type were recorded. In 2016, the police recorded 487 offenses "against the security of the State", mainly related to the capital.
"The sharp increase is related to Islamist extremism at the moment, but anarchist and extreme-left groups are still active in Belgium as well, resulting in threats, property damage and unrest. The potential targets are multinationals and international institutions on our territory, but also our own law enforcement agencies," Koen Geens said in a response to Kattrin Jadin (MR).
"The geopolitical crises in Syria and Turkey are also contributing to renewed tensions in Belgium between Turkish nationalist elements and Kurdish militants," he added.
The Brussels Times
