Belgium approves law to revoke citizenship for serious crimes

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Belgium’s federal parliament has approved legislation that allows authorities to revoke the nationality of people convicted of serious crimes, including organized crime, homicide, and sex offenses.

According to the Belga news agency, the bill, passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday evening, significantly broadens existing rules on deprivation of nationality, which until now were mainly applied in terrorism cases and often required an explicit request from prosecutors.

"Those guilty of serious crimes that undermine the foundations of our society can lose their Belgian citizenship," Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden said in the report, calling the measure a "powerful signal."

Under the new rules, revocation is possible only if the individual was convicted of crimes considered a "fundamental threat to society" and sentenced to at least five years of effective prison time. The measure applies solely to people who acquired Belgian nationality within 15 years prior to the offense, and claims must be brought within the same time limit.

The legislation also introduces automatic withdrawal of nationality for dual nationals convicted of terrorism, although courts may decide otherwise if they provide explicit justification.

Lawmakers also approved the introduction of vehicular homicide into the Criminal Code. The new offense, which takes effect on April 8, carries penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to €10,000 (nearly $12,000) for fatal traffic collisions, regardless of whether they were caused by negligence or substance use.