Terrorism and counter-terrorism
Terrorism is a gross violation of fundamental rights. From the Gunpowder Plot in 1604, the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1970s and 80s to the events of 9/11 and 7/7, the UK has been challenged by terrorist violence.
But human rights can also be threatened by disproportionate counter-terrorism measures, especially those passed during an emergency. Detention without trial, virtual house arrest, stop and search without reasonable suspicion, deportation to countries where torture is used – these are just some of the measures that the UK government has introduced over time in order to deal with the threat of terrorism.
Since the case of Chahal v United Kingdom before the European Court of Human Rights in 1996, JUSTICE has been active in highlighting the importance of upholding human rights even in the context of terrorism and counter-terrorism laws. We have briefed on all major terrorism legislation since 2000 and have intervened in virtually all the major terrorism cases before the House of Lords and Supreme Court over the past decade.
Recent work
JUSTICE has responded to the government's view of counter-terrorism legislation. Read our press release on the issue and our detailed submission to the review.
We worked on the legislation that, with Royal Assent on 16 December 2010, became the Terrorism Asset-Freezing etc Act 2010.