(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is a 24 April 2006 ARTICLE 19 press release: ARTICLE 19 today gave evidence to the Eminent Jurists Panel set up by the International Commission of Jurists to evaluate the impact of anti-terror laws and practices on the protection of human rights. ARTICLE 19’s evidence, which was limited to UK […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is a 24 April 2006 ARTICLE 19 press release:
ARTICLE 19 today gave evidence to the Eminent Jurists Panel set up by the International Commission of Jurists to evaluate the impact of anti-terror laws and practices on the protection of human rights.
ARTICLE 19’s evidence, which was limited to UK legislation, argued that the newly enacted offence of “encouraging terrorism”, and the prohibitions on the “justification” and “glorification” of terrorism, are incompatible with international human rights law. These prohibitions would potentially outlaw statements such as “Osama bin Laden is great”; “9/11 was a success”; “suicide bombing is a legitimate tactic of last resort”; or “I think that America had it coming”.
We pointed out that the new prohibitions will have a serious ‘chilling effect’ on legitimate debate, inhibiting discussion on important issues such as the causes of terrorism. ARTICLE 19 believes that a free and frank exchange of ideas in such debate can make an important contribution to understanding and combating terrorism. This goal will be impeded if people are discouraged from voicing opinions that some might find offensive – including statements of understanding for certain terrorist acts. Only the direct incitement to terrorism should be prohibited.
A summary of ARTICLE 19’s evidence to the Panel can be found at http://www.article19.org/pdfs/analysis/terrorism-submission-to-icj-panel.pdf
ARTICLE 19 is an independent human rights organisation that works around the world to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression. It takes its name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression.
