WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao has provided further clarification on the definition of “terrorist intent” as part of proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure.
The clarification comes in response to concerns raised in Parliament about the potential misuse or broad interpretation of the term “terrorism.” According to the government, there is a clear legal definition already in place, which will remain unchanged.
The law defines terrorist intent as actions aimed at instilling serious fear among the population, coercing governments or international organizations, or destabilizing fundamental political, economic, or social structures.
Officials emphasized that not all violent or disruptive acts qualify as terrorism. For example, criminal acts such as arson or violence without the explicit intent to intimidate the population or disrupt state structures would not fall under terrorism laws.
The government also addressed misconceptions about past cases, stating that individuals involved in high-profile incidents on the island were not prosecuted under terrorism charges.
With this clarification, authorities aim to ensure that the strengthened legislation targets genuine threats while safeguarding against misuse of the label.