The clauses of the bill
The Big Issue | 17.02.2001 12:15
The following is based on an explanation of some of the clauses of the new terrorism act which was recently published in the Big Issue.
THE NEW TERRORIST BILL
Clause 1 - creates new terrorists (redefines terrorism to include the 'threat' of 'serious violence' against 'property'.)
Clause 3 - ban the dissenters (outlaws organisations the government doesn't like. The paper hinted that the 'scope is very wide'.)
Clause 11 - gag the sympathisers (five years in jail if you speak at a meeting where there is a member of an outlawed organisation.)
Clause 18 - silence the press (five years in jail if you fail to report information which may lead to a terrorist act.)
Clause 42 - harrass the masses (new stop and search powers. It is an offence if you are in possession of, or associated with, an article that the authorities believe is connected with terrorism - a pair of scissors was mentioned in the standing committee).
Clause 54 - jail 'leaders' for life (are you the contact for anti-GM actions? That carries a LIFE SENTENCE).
Clauses 57-59 - ban solidarity (the so-called 'Mandela' clauses. If you think you can support freedom fighters, think again. That's incitement).
ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS?
Of course there are! Anyone holding office under the Crown is excluded - ie government ministers (not those politicians trying to seek election but ONLY those already in the ministry!!!)
Clause 1 - creates new terrorists (redefines terrorism to include the 'threat' of 'serious violence' against 'property'.)
Clause 3 - ban the dissenters (outlaws organisations the government doesn't like. The paper hinted that the 'scope is very wide'.)
Clause 11 - gag the sympathisers (five years in jail if you speak at a meeting where there is a member of an outlawed organisation.)
Clause 18 - silence the press (five years in jail if you fail to report information which may lead to a terrorist act.)
Clause 42 - harrass the masses (new stop and search powers. It is an offence if you are in possession of, or associated with, an article that the authorities believe is connected with terrorism - a pair of scissors was mentioned in the standing committee).
Clause 54 - jail 'leaders' for life (are you the contact for anti-GM actions? That carries a LIFE SENTENCE).
Clauses 57-59 - ban solidarity (the so-called 'Mandela' clauses. If you think you can support freedom fighters, think again. That's incitement).
ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS?
Of course there are! Anyone holding office under the Crown is excluded - ie government ministers (not those politicians trying to seek election but ONLY those already in the ministry!!!)
The Big Issue
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