🪧 Can I demonstrate masked?

Quick answer

No, as a rule not: covering your face in public space is an offence, and that also applies at a demonstration. The Law of 1 June 2011 (the so-called burqa ban) inserted art. 563bis into the Criminal Code: anyone who appears in publicly accessible places with the face wholly or partly covered or hidden, so that they are not recognizable, commits an offence. Hiding your identity at a demonstration with a balaclava or mask falls under it. The right to demonstrate is protected, but gives no right to make your face unrecognizable. There are only two legal exceptions: face covering imposed by a workplace regulation, or by a municipal regulation for festive activities (e.g. carnival). Neither covers a mask at a protest. The ban was upheld by the Constitutional Court (2012) and the European Court of Human Rights (2017) and is still in force in July 2026.

📋 The rules

General ban: appearing with a covered/unrecognizable face in publicly accessible places is an offence (art. 563bis)
At a demonstration the ban applies: a balaclava or mask that makes you unrecognizable is an offence
The right to demonstrate gives no right to hide your face
Two exceptions: workplace regulation or a municipal festivities regulation (e.g. carnival)
The test is recognizability: partial covering counts if you are unrecognizable
The municipality can authorize a demonstration and impose conditions, including on masking

🔓 Exceptions

Face covering imposed by a workplace regulation (safety or professional clothing)
A municipal regulation for festive activities, such as carnival

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Breaching art. 563bis is punished with a fine of €15 to €25 (base amount, before surcharges, so higher in practice) and imprisonment of 1 to 7 days, or one of these penalties. Around a demonstration the police can also act for public order, and the local regulation can give rise to a GAS fine.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can I go to a demonstration with a balaclava?

No. Covering your face unrecognizably in public space is an offence (art. 563bis), also at a demonstration. The right to demonstrate gives no right to hide your identity.

So may I wear no face covering at all?

Only in two cases: if a workplace regulation imposes it (professional or safety clothing), or if a municipal regulation allows it for festivities such as carnival. Those exceptions do not apply to a protest.

Is this ban still in force in 2026?

Yes. Art. 563bis is still in force in July 2026. It was upheld by the Constitutional Court (2012) and the European Court of Human Rights (2017). With the new Criminal Code (1 September 2026), only the numbering changes.

What do I risk?

A fine of €15 to €25 (base amount, higher after surcharges) and 1 to 7 days in prison, or one of the two. Around a demonstration the police can also act for public order.

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