The Luxembourg government has confirmed a series of new security measures in light of the increased risk of terrorism since the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, where the Grand Duchy is currently on Level 2 (out of 4) Security.
The police in Luxembourg now have the powers to detain suspects for 48 hours without charge, instead of 24 hours previously, and house stop-and-search searches are now also allowed. Security services also have the powers to hap VOIP communications, including Viber and Skype, as well as fixed and mobile telephones. The police may also access bank account details.
On the controversy concerning the wearing of veils (i.e. full-face coverings such as niqab or burka) in public, the government announced that, despite the issue being brought up in parliament, there would be no centralised, nation-wide legislation enacted; instead, it would be left to individual municipalities to decide themselves. However, SYVICOL - representing the municipalities - called for a national law due to the potential confusion if neighbouring municipalities decided on differeing solutions.
Currently, both France and Belgium have enacted such bans. In Luxembourg, the CSV party (in opposition) called for such a ban, and had support from the LSAP (coalition partner) but the Greens (coalition partner) were against implementing such a ban; the DPs (coalition partner) were willing to discuss the issue.
