Deprivation of citizenship for 'jihadists' Analysis of Belgian and French practice and policy in light of the principle of equal treatment

In the fight against terrorism States have resorted to a variety of weapons. Much attention has been devoted to criminal law as a possible answer to terrorism. Many States have also resorted to nationality law, using deprivation as a means to punish those involved in terrorism. This paper will focus on Belgium and France. These two countries indeed present striking similarities. Both in France and Belgium the provisions on deprivation already made it possible to deprive a national of his citizenship in terrorist cases. Nevertheless, the legislation in these countries has been recently modified to offer yet a stronger answer to terrorism. The public debate in the two countries is modelled on similar lines. This is in particular true for the issue of equality arising in connection of deprivation of nationality. The paper will first offer an overview of the existing statutory provisions in the two countries, before critically reviewing the discussion on equality and non discrimination.