WILLEMSTAD – The Parliament of Curaçao has voiced serious concerns about a proposed amendment to strengthen the country’s anti-terrorism laws. In a preliminary report, several political factions questioned whether Curaçao has the capacity to enforce the new regulations, whether the measures are proportionate, and whether they may unintentionally infringe on civil rights and legal equality.
The Partido Nashonal di Pueblo (PNP) noted that Curaçao has no history of terrorist groups and pointed out that large public events with international performers have taken place without major incidents. The party cautioned that Article 1:202 of the Penal Code, which defines terrorism as a crime with a terrorist intent, is open to misuse. As an example, the PNP cited the 2020 protests at Fort Amsterdam, warning that social unrest should not be wrongfully classified as terrorism.
Misuse of Definition and Social Impact
The Movementu Futuro Kòrsou (MFK) also questioned the broad definition of terrorism, citing international conflicts where violent acts have gone unpunished. The party called for a reassessment of the definition to avoid unequal treatment and highlighted a local case in which two young men from Curaçao were labeled as terrorists after sharing a threatening video. MFK argued this designation was excessive and called on the Minister of Justice to define clear criteria for what constitutes “terrorist intent.”
Risk of Class-Based Justice
The Partido MAN/PIN raised the issue of class-based justice. Under the proposed changes, detainees with financial means could post bail or serve their sentence at home under electronic monitoring, while low-income individuals would be required to serve their full term in prison—even for minor offenses such as stealing a can of sardines.
The party urged the Justice Minister to clarify and report back on the implementation of this measure to ensure public debate on fairness and applicability. The Partido Alternativa Real (PAR) echoed these concerns, warning that arbitrary application of bail and monitoring provisions could lead to legal inequality. PAR called for explicit conditions to be included in the legislation to prevent discrimination.
Local Reality and Cost Burden
Lawmakers also emphasized the need for legislation that reflects Curaçao’s specific context. PNP pointed out that the cost of incarceration is approximately 500 guilders per inmate per day. The Coast Guard frequently intercepts suspects at sea who have no direct ties to Curaçao, and PNP questioned whether the island’s population of 150,000 should bear the financial burden of detaining foreign suspects.
Impact on Tourism
Tourism policy is also under scrutiny. MFK and PNP support tougher penalties for crimes against tourists but noted that the current legal wording—covering individuals present "for recreational purposes"—may exclude digital nomads and long-stay visitors. This, they argue, creates a distinction that is both legally flawed and economically damaging. The Council of Advice has also recommended amending this language.
Focus on Prevention and Reintegration
Several factions also urged greater focus on crime prevention and reintegration of offenders. PNP advocated for more resources to investigate online grooming, while MAN-PIN criticized unfulfilled promises to inmates regarding work, visitation rights, and communication. MFK stressed the need for improved reintegration support for former prisoners returning to society.
The Parliament concluded that any new legislation must be enforceable, proportionate, and legally sound. Lawmakers requested a technical briefing, feasibility assessment, and a detailed explanation of all proposed changes before proceeding to a final vote.
