SKN PM calls for anti-terrorism programs

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris says the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and elsewhere have spotlighted the urgency of a global response to these actions.

Speaking during the debate on the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2015, Harris said that the issue had been discussed at the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta where all leaders “committed to do all that we could to eradicate terrorism and terrorist related activities,”

He said that the overall intent of the legislation is to criminalize all of the conduct outlined in the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNCR) regarding anti-terrorism. He said an independent evaluation of the island’s legislation by the Financial Action task Force (FATF) revealed that Section 14 criminalizes the funding or making available of property to be used for terrorist purposes.

The Prime Minister said the amended legislation is to give effect to recent recommendations proposed by the FATF in respect of expressly implementing measures to provide for United Nations Security Council Resolution. Additionally, the legislation provides that where a terrorist has been identified, that the Director of Public Prosecutions shall without delay, apply ex parte for the freezing of such funds.

The legislation also proposes an increase in current penalties to make them more commensurate with current international standards, Harris stated.