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Belgium: Demands for pepper spray controls

01 January 1997

A Belgian MP has demanded tighter controls be introduced on the use of pepper sprays. In a debate held in the Belgian senate Agalev-Ecolo MP Eddie Boutmans challenged the Belgian Home Affairs Minister, Johan Vandelanotte, to carry out more research into the use of pepper spray. He expressed particular concern about the recent acquisition of a pepper spray delivery system that can be used against demonstrators. This system has already been used against a demonstration last year.

Pepper spray, or OC gas, has caused controversy in both the US and the UK in the past. There have been at least 61 deaths associated with pepper spray in the USA since its introduction in 1990 according to the Los Angeles Times. Risks in the use of pepper spray include "mutagenic effects, carcinogenic effects, sensitization, cardiovascular and pulmonary toxicity, neurotoxicity and possible human fatalities." People with asthma are particularly vulnerable. Although tests were carried out in the UK it was eventually decided to use the more familiar CS gas instead (see Statewatch, vol 6 no 2).

Belgium is not the only country to have introduced pepper sprays. The Dutch "Divisie Koninklijk en Diplomatieke Beveiliging" (Royal and Diplomatic Security division), who are entrusted with guarding the Dutch royal family, has also recently issued with OC canisters. Although the substance is still banned in the Netherlands, according to the Volkskrant police in the Netherlands are now pressing to be allowed to introduce the spray canisters more widely. One police officer told the Volkskrant: "These weapons have already been widely tested in the USA. If scientists here give it the OK the politicians should not make trouble about it."

Belgian Senate Parliamentary report 28.1.97 Ravage 10.12.96