UK: New offences to combat al-Qaeda menace

icNewcastle ^ | Februari 25 2004

[knighthawk]

The Government is considering introducing new offences to combat the threat from al Qaida and other extremists.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said his controversial internment powers will remain an "essential component" of the Government's anti-terrorism measures.

But extending similar powers to British citizens would be a "grave step" which would be "difficult to justify", he said.

It was a significant watering down of comments made by Mr Blunkett three weeks ago during an official visit to India when he called for a debate on whether the standard of proof should be lowered to make it easier to secure terror convictions.

Mr Blunkett had also suggested a new, secret court system would be necessary to protect intelligence sources, including vetted judges and defence solicitors.

But explicit proposals of this type were absent from the document.

In contrast, it said ministers were "willing to consider any realistic alternative proposals and approaches which take account of the Government's human rights obligations".

The Liberal Democrats said it was an apparent climbdown and an "extraordinary embarrassment" for Mr Blunkett.

The document did confirm officials were reviewing whether bugged phone calls and monitored e-mail should be admissible evidence in British court.

"It is important to ensure that any decision on whether or not to change the law is based on a rigorous assessment of the likely impact (eg in securing more prosecutions) and clear evidence that the benefits of doing so clearly outweigh the risks," said the paper. It added: "There are already a wide range of criminal and terrorist-related offences that can be used to bring prosecutions. The Government is considering whether further offences should be introduced."

[knighthawk]

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