"The Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice found that the current official definition of terrorism is too broad and creates uncertainty and overreach in its application. The three-year review, led by former judge Sir Declan Morgan KC PC and 14 commissioners, called for the definition of terrorism to be tightened. For cases involving property damage, this should be limited to acts which cause serious risk to life, national security, or public safety, or involving arson, explosives, or firearms, the commission found."
"When a group is proscribed, individuals can face prosecution for membership, inviting or expressing support, or wearing associated symbols or uniforms. Providing funding or handling property linked to a proscribed organisation may constitute a criminal offence, and any act carried out for the benefit of a proscribed group can be treated as an act of terrorism. These far-reaching implications can create confusion, deter lawful civic engagement, and strain relations with communities connected to affected organisations particularly where banned groups also pursue political objectives."
Counter-terrorism laws used to ban Palestine Action are being applied too widely and the government's anti-radicalisation scheme is not fit for purpose. The official definition of terrorism is overly broad and creates uncertainty and overreach. For property-damage cases, terrorism should be limited to acts causing serious risk to life, national security, or public safety, or involving arson, explosives, or firearms. Proscription measures should be confined to protecting the public from terrorism and should lapse after five years unless renewed. Almost 2,000 people have been arrested at protests over the ban; supporting the group carries up to 14 years in prison and the ban is being challenged.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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