Britain unveils new measures to crack down on extremism

LONDON – Britain’s Home Secretary Charles Clarke yesterday unveiled new measures, including a ban on glorifying terrorism, aimed at combating Islamic radicals in the wake of last month’s deadly London bombings.

Clarke insisted, however, the list of so-called “unacceptable behaviour” was not intended to stifle free speech despite concerns expressed by human rights groups. “The terrorist threat facing the UK remains real and significant and it is right that the government and law enforcement agencies do everything possible to counter it,” Clarke said in a statement announcing the measures.”That includes tackling those who seek to foster hatred or promote terrorism, sending a strong message that they are not welcome in the UK.”The move is part of a wide-ranging law enforcement crackdown on Islamic extremist and other groups in the wake of the July 7 suicide bombings, which killed 56 people, and attempted copycat attacks on July 21.The list – compiled after talks with Muslim groups – applies both to non-British citizens already in the country and those who want to come here.The acts of so-called “unacceptable behaviour” include those which: – Foment, justify or glorify terrorist violence – Seek to provoke others to terrorist acts – Foment other serious criminal activity or seek to provoke others to commit serious criminal acts – Foster hatred which might lead to inter-community violence in the UK.The list was shorter than a draft proposed by Clarke three weeks ago, but the Home Office said the final version was “indicative rather than exhaustive”.These banned views could be aired by writing, producing or distributing material, public speaking or over an Internet site.They could also be delivered by someone in a position of responsibility such as a teacher or a community leader.- Nampa-AFP”The terrorist threat facing the UK remains real and significant and it is right that the government and law enforcement agencies do everything possible to counter it,” Clarke said in a statement announcing the measures.”That includes tackling those who seek to foster hatred or promote terrorism, sending a strong message that they are not welcome in the UK.”The move is part of a wide-ranging law enforcement crackdown on Islamic extremist and other groups in the wake of the July 7 suicide bombings, which killed 56 people, and attempted copycat attacks on July 21.The list – compiled after talks with Muslim groups – applies both to non-British citizens already in the country and those who want to come here.The acts of so-called “unacceptable behaviour” include those which: – Foment, justify or glorify terrorist violence – Seek to provoke others to terrorist acts – Foment other serious criminal activity or seek to provoke others to commit serious criminal acts – Foster hatred which might lead to inter-community violence in the UK.The list was shorter than a draft proposed by Clarke three weeks ago, but the Home Office said the final version was “indicative rather than exhaustive”.These banned views could be aired by writing, producing or distributing material, public speaking or over an Internet site.They could also be delivered by someone in a position of responsibility such as a teacher or a community leader.- Nampa-AFP