No, challenging someone to a duel remains illegal under Belgian law, classified as a public order offense under the 1867 Penal Code, with penalties up to 5 years imprisonment and fines. The 2026 draft amendments to the Penal Code propose stricter enforcement, aligning with EU-wide anti-violence initiatives.
Key Regulations for Challenging Someone to a Duel in Belgium
- Article 412 of the Penal Code criminalizes duels as a form of premeditated violence, regardless of consent, treating participants as co-perpetrators.
- Public Order Violations (Article 39bis) may apply if the challenge is issued in a public space, triggering municipal fines or police intervention under the 2024 Local Police Act.
- Firearms and Weapons Laws (Royal Decree of 2023) prohibit the use or possession of weapons in duel contexts, with mandatory confiscation and enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.