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.