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Luxembourg

Luxembourg has detailed counterterrorism provisions in its Criminal Code. There is no carve-out for the exercise of fundamental human rights. Domestic law on terrorist financing was amended most recently in 2022.

Compliance with International Law:
Last updated: one year ago

The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law

The Criminal Code defines an act of terrorism as follows:

any crime and misdemeanour punishable by imprisonment for at least three years or a more serious penalty which, by its nature or context, may seriously harm a country, organization or international body and has been committed intentionally for the purpose of:

- seriously intimidating a population,

- unduly compelling public authorities, an organization or an international body to perform or refrain from doing any act, or

- seriously destabilizing or destroying the fundamental political, constitutional, economic or social interests of a country, organization or international body.Art. 135(1), Criminal Code of Luxembourg.

Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties

 

Luxembourg is a State Party to all of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.

 

Adherence to Global Terrorism Treaties
Treaty Adherence
1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons State Party
1979 Hostage-Taking Convention State Party
1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention State Party
1999 Terrorist Financing Convention State Party
2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention State Party

 

Luxembourg has also adhered to all of the main regional treaties on terrorism, although the 2003 Protocol has still to enter into force.

 

Adherence to Regional Terrorism Treaties
Treaty Adherence
1977 European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism State Party
2003 Protocol amending the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism State Party
2005 Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism State Party
2015 Additional Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism State Party

Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences

Under the Criminal Code, terrorist offences are punishable with between fifteen and twenty years in prison or life imprisonment in case of an especially grave offence.Art. 135(2), Criminal Code of Luxembourg.

Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level

Luxembourg does not have a dedicated counterterrorism police unit.

Downloads

Criminal Code of Luxembourg (original French text)

Luxembourg Terrorist Financing Law (2022 Amendment)