The Belize Association of Defense Attorneys (ADA) has joined the Opposition and trade unions in objecting to the Thirteenth Amendment Bill, calling it a threat to civil liberties and judicial independence.
In a formal letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly, the association outlined several legal and constitutional concerns with the bill. ADA argues that the proposed changes to emergency powers, including warrantless searches and extended detentions in “special areas,’ lack sufficient checks and could lead to abuse.
Prime Minister John Briceño introduced the Thirteenth Amendment Bill about 3 weeks ago, but it’s quickly becoming one of the most debated proposals. According to the government, the bill is focused on strengthening the legal framework for declaring a State of Emergency (SOE) in response to crime.
ADA stated that retroactively validating past SOE declarations undermines the rule of law, especially in light of recent High Court rulings that found previous SOEs unlawful.
They also raised concerns over the creation of a Gun and Gang Court under the Constitution, arguing that due process guarantees and judicial independence must be clearly defined.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the unions and opposition rejected the proposal. NTUCB Senator Glenfield Dennison questioned the timing of the bill and suggested it’s a response to recent legal defeats. He said, “Today the proposal is to change the law to ratify the SOE action. But that can be a slippery slope.”
Stakeholders are calling for broader consultation before any changes to the Constitution move forward.