Yet another Counter-Terrorism Bill is now before Parliament. These proposals would extend the injustice of current ‘anti-terror powers’, which make exceptions to the normal criminal law, especially its protection of suspects through the right to a fair trial.

The proposed powers are based on the Terrorism Act 2000, which defined terrorism so broadly as to include simply the threat of violence to property in an attempt to influence a government, anywhere in the world. Such a broad definition could include many normal political activities in this country and any resistance to oppressive regimes abroad. That Act also created ‘terrorist’ offences of associating with particular organizations, sharing a platform with their members, and helping them financially, e.g. simply by selling publications.

Since the Terrorism Act of 2000, ‘anti-terrorism’ measures have imposed much injustice, particularly on Muslim and migrant communities. Of over 1200 people arrested under anti-terrorism laws, less than 5% have been convicted of ‘terrorism’ offences, few of these involving any plans for violent activities. A key effect has been to create a climate of fear – fear that political activity, or simply talking to the wrong people, will bring arrest or house raids.

The proposed new powers would extend current injustices, especially punishment without trial, in several ways:

• Detention without charge would be extended from 28 days to 42 days
• ‘Terrorism suspects’ could be detained without charge for six weeks. Before 2000 it was 4 days. Neither government nor police have given any convincing reason why so long is needed.
• Post-charge questioning of ‘terror suspects’ – presumed guilty?
• ‘Terror suspects’ could be subjected to further questioning after a criminal charge, even up to the trial date. Saying nothing could count against them at trial.
• At present, people once charged can refuse to answer until their trial, without their silence being interpreted as a sign of guilt or deception.
• ‘Terrorist connection’ would justify a heavier sentence
• Judges could give people longer sentences for ‘ordinary’ offences if they had a ‘terrorism connection’ – for example, allegedly supporting a banned ‘terrorist’ organization.
• Confiscation of property without trial
• Convicted ‘terrorists’ could have their property confiscated – such as bank accounts, vehicles, computers or even a house. The special procedure would not be a normal trial; it could involve secret evidence.
• Extra punishment without trial beyond the original sentence
• Convicted ‘terrorists’ could face a ban on foreign travel once released from jail. This would be done by a special order, not a trial. Those convicted could also face a requirement to tell the police where they go whenever they sleep away from home, in some cases for life.
• New offence for volunteers of not giving information to police
• Volunteer workers, for example in a youth project or charity, could be prosecuted for not telling police about suspected ‘terrorist’ activities. People might be over-suspicious and report imagined activities because they are afraid of being criminalised for concealment.
• New offence of providing information about the armed forces
• The Bill would make it an offence to seek or communicate information about the armed forces which could be useful to terrorism. This could apply simply to peace protestors telling each other, for example, what happens at a military base.
• Hiding evidence about police killings
• Some inquests could be held in secret, without juries. Sensitive material about how and why a person was killed by the police or army would be hidden away; they would never be held properly to account.

Ask your MP to oppose those proposals of the Counter-Terrorism Bill. Support the due process rights of all ‘suspects’.

• Model letter to send your MP can be downloaded at http://www.campacc.org.uk/Library/MP_letterCTB08_260208.doc
• DEMONSTRATE against the Counter-Terrorism Bill on Monday 12 May 2008, 5-7pm 10 Downing Street. Details available at www.cacc.org.uk