arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

The 'gendarmerie' (Belgian national police) see three sorts of terrorism: cyberterrorism, ecoterrorism and the far left.

'In southern Europe we have witnessed a resurgence of far left activities. This could also happen in Belgium. An anti-capitalist movement is developing at this moment. It is bringing together young people, trade unionists and intellectuals and is targeting everything that is linked to the free-market model, the IMF, the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation, etc.' (The quotation comes from the gendarmerie report which we have translated from Dutch, Ed).

The gendarmerie is clearly aiming at the anti-globalisation movement, which first came to public attention during the WTO summit last year. It does not appear aware that it also includes parties which are part of the government, such as Agelev-Ecolo (the Greens) and the VU&ID21 in this definition of 'terrorism'.

Anyone who is opposed to the current system, even if they are only opposed to certain aspects of society is considered potential terrorists. This analysis is extremely alarming and threatens anyone who believes they have the right to free speech without fear of punishment. Anybody involved in different types of activity aiming to bring about a better world runs the risk of being labelled a dangerous criminal.

We are therefore calling for as many people as possible to respond and act before the already fragile structures of democracy are dismantled entirely.