WILLEMSTAD - The debate on the 'emergency law' has been postponed by President of Parliament Ana Maria Pauletta. Parliament was scheduled to debate this in a public meeting on Monday. The exact reason for the cancellation is unknown.
In recent days, there has been a fuss on social media about the emergency law that can be instituted in the event of a disaster, terrorism or pandemic. The so-called exception law was designed in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. A video that circulates on social media warns of the consequences.
Formally, this concerns the national ordinance regarding exceptional situations. Articles 9 to 17 in particular cause many people to frown.
These articles state, that no own thoughts and feelings may be expressed. Critics argue that this would restrict freedom of expression. Furthermore, the right of demonstration is limited. Home investigations may be conducted without a warrant and no permission is required for eavesdropping. Article 17 states that a minister may take away property.
The exception law states that prior permission must be given by the Parliament, the governor and the Attorney General for the law to enter into force. The emergency law can be set for a maximum of 90 days and then extended again by 90 days.
In a reaction on Facebook, President of Parliament Ana Maria Pauletta states that this is all rather straightforward. "People should go through all the documents and see the articles in context," said Pauletta. According to Pauletta, there are eleven documents and there is an advice from the Advisory Board. "They all have to be read to make a judgment."
Pauletta says she has canceled the meeting in consultation with Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath. "Such an important law must be clear to the community and at the moment there is a lot of commotion and misinformation about the law."
Pauletta goes on to say that people must first be well informed about what exactly this bill entails, so that they are well informed during a debate.