Airstrip One

Vlaams Blokked: Not Yet - 2nd March 2003, 14.34

The Centre for Equal Opportunities and Against Racism and the Human Rights League have continued to pursue their case to ban the far-right Flemish party, Vlaams Blok. However, the Brussels Court of Appeal viewed the case as a legal attempt to implement a political programme that did not fall within the court's jurisdiction. The Vlaams Blok have proclaimed victory at this ruling although the case may be heard by the Court of Cassation, the Belgian Supreme Court.

The structure and direction of Belgian jurisprudence is not an area that is familiar to me. The judgement appears to be a measured response from a court that does not wish to undermine the Belgian electoral process and replace democratic legitimacy with a powerful judiciary that defines the limits of political representation. The judgment could still be reversed or limited by the Belgian Supreme Court but this is an unlikely development due to the time and expense required.

On the other hand, Belgium has sacked or banned (depending upon whom you read) the singer of its Eurovision entry for holding far-right views. Soetkin Collier, a folk singer with Urban Trad, was told that the security services had concluded that she "would bring the country into disrepute" and, therefore, she would not be allowed to represent Belgium in the Eurovision song contest. Of course, this act of censorship is required on the grounds of good taste.