Anti-terror laws ‘threaten opponents of tyranny’

NEW anti-terrorism laws before the Dáil today seriously threaten genuine opponents of political tyranny, a leading lawyer warned yesterday.

The laws will also leave Irish supporters of groups combating tyranny in places such as the Middle East, Africa Latin America and Asia open to prosecution for activities like fundraising, it was claimed.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell says the Criminal Justice Terrorist Offences Bill is part of European Union and United Nations’ agreements to fight international terrorism in the wake of September 11.

Mr McDowell said the measure will deliver on Ireland’s promises to the international community to co-operate in the international fight against terror.

“This legislation will significantly strengthen our law for the purpose of dealing with the threat of international terrorism in the light of the events of September 11, 2001,” the minister said.

But barrister and law lecturer Proinsias Ó Maolchaláin said the legislation was a crude device which failed to distinguish between tyrants and groups viewed by many people across the world as freedom fighters.

He also warned that Irish support groups raising funds for causes like the freedom movement in East Timor could suddenly find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

“This legislation is a blunt instrument which could see a latter-day Nelson Mandela being hauled before the Irish courts in a most unfair way. It fails to distinguish between a murdering tyrant and a well-recognised freedom fighter,” Mr Ó Maolchaláin said.

The human rights group, Afri, also expressed concern.

“I’m not saying we should be soft on terrorism. But there is a danger the wide net of this kind of legislation will be used to draw in people who are involved in non-violent struggles for people’s rights,” Afri director Joe Murray said.

But a Justice Department spokesman last night rejected these arguments.

“This measure is directed at terrorist groups such as al-Qaida and will not affect genuine freedom fighters. Extradition for example can only happen in cases where there is an existing extradition treaty,” the spokesman said.

He also rejected claims that Irish people raising funds for genuine opponents of tyranny would be open to prosecution.

“The Bill specifically states that fundraisers must intentionally raise funds for purposes which they clearly know would be illegal,” the spokesman said. The law envisages extending the terms of the anti-IRA Offences Against the State Acts 1939-1998.