The New Anti-Terror Laws in Australia
Anyone supporting the insurgency in Iraq or Afghanistan faces possible jail sentence
by Maz Bukhari
October 14, 2005
GlobalResearch.ca
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Anti-Terror Laws or “TERRORIST” Laws
Jail Term for ILL WILL & OBJECTORS
Anyone supporting the insurgency in Iraq, Afghanistan or any country where Australian troops are deployed could face a penalty of 7 years' jail under the new terrorism laws.
Control orders of unlimited duration, secret preventive detention, the monitoring of lawyers, and life imprisonment for funding terrorist organisations are also suggested under the new laws.
The draft legislation, disclosed by Greens yesterday, details the far-reaching security regime proposed by John Howard for "very dangerous and difficult and threatening circumstances" in the wake of the London bombings.
New sedition offences will put big constraints on anti-war protests, familiar since the Vietnam era, and come down hard on those advocating violence against any religious, national or political group.
Those charged with sedition can argue they were acting "in good faith" but it is unclear how the courts will interpret this.
The bill sets out new federal police powers to detain terrorist suspects for up to 24 hours, and up to 48 hours with the approval of a judge or magistrate. Suspects will get access to a lawyer to challenge the detention order in a court or complain of maltreatment
Police do not need to give suspects or their lawyers reasons for the detentions and can monitor lawyers. All conversations lawyers have with their clients must be in English or translated into English for the police. Police are prohibited from questioning the detainees but that ban does not apply to ASIO officers.
Last month the states agreed to allow extensions of up to 14 days for detentions when a terrorist act is believed imminent. The suspect must then be released if no terrorist act occurs.
Detentions are secret but suspects are allowed to contact a family member or employers to say they are safe but, "not able to be contacted for the time being". If they disclose the detention they can be jailed for up to five years.
Under the bill, the Government can apply to a court for control orders on terrorist suspects who have not been charged. These orders include house arrest, preventing them using the telephone or internet and restricting their social contacts and work opportunities. Suspects can also be fitted with tracking devices.
The suspect's lawyer can be shown the control order but not necessarily the evidence or reasons behind it.
The orders can last up to 12 months and can then be renewed any number of times.
Persons under control orders may be given "counselling or education" if they agree.
The bill does limit to three months control orders on those aged between 16 and 18.
Also contained in the legislation are wide-ranging search powers that will compel the production of any documents relating to "any serious offence", regardless of any laws protecting privacy or legal privilege.,
The new laws are to be debated this month, after the Labor premiers agreed to their broad outline at the recent terrorism summit in Canberra.
The proposed laws have been strongly criticised by human rights lawyers and some Muslim leaders, who have described them as draconian.
Sweeping new anti-terror laws include a plan to jail people for up to seven years for promoting feelings of "ill will" or hostility between different groups that would threaten the peace.
As John Howard yesterday defended the measures, the federal Government was angered by ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope's decision to publish the 107-page draft bill on his website.
Surprising legal experts with the scope and definition of terrorist acts, the laws would also make it a criminal offence to support a terrorist act, directly or indirectly.
However, elements of the terrorism advocacy provisions are expected to be watered down after a backbench revolt over the draconian laws...
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=BUK20051014&articleId=1079
"However, elements of the terrorism advocacy provisions are expected to be watered down after a backbench revolt over the draconian laws..."
The Leader of the Opposition has since stated his complete agreement with our needs for greater security. Some small 'adjustments' will be agreed to - but on the whole, we expect this Bill to pass through Parliament.
WHOOOOHOOOO!!!!!
SEDITION!
WOW. If that went into effect here....all the liberals would be in jail!