Stronger terrorism laws coming

Al-Rawi said this was all part of Government’s thrust to combat terrorism inside and outside of this country’s borders.

He explained that the amendments which will be laid in the House of Representatives today, significantly strengthen the current Anti-Terrorism Act on several levels.

Al-Rawi said the legislation will extend the scope of the Act to cover terrorist acts committed outside of TT; extend specific offences for the provision of services for the commission of terrorist acts or the financing of terrorism and the collection of property, redefine terrorist acts and expand the definition of a terrorist, “to include persons who contribute to the commission of a terrorist act.” After explaining the latter included individuals or entities financing terrorist activities, the AG said, “We are criminalising the joining of a terrorist organisation and attending or receiving training.” Al-Rawi said this covers persons who go to other jurisdictions where they receive terrorist doctrine and training.

Noting the penalties in the Act are “very serious” but the former People’s Partnership (PP) government did nothing to activate them, Al-Rawi said a person who knowingly attends terrorist training or receives that training through electronic means is liable on conviction to 20 years imprisonment. He added that persons who join a terrorist group are liable upon conviction to a fine of $5 million and 25 years imprisonment.

Al-Rawi also said Government is proposing to amend the law to criminalise the movement of children by FTFs. “We are criminalising travel for the purpose of committing a terrorist act and deeming persons who commit such an act as FTFs,” he stated. Al-Rawi said the power of law enforcement agencies, “to gather information to cover documents, computers and electronic devices” as part of their investigations into terrorist acts will be broadened.

He disclosed that for the first time, the National Security Minister will have the power, “to designate a geographical area and say to travel to or remaining in that area would constitute a presumption that the travel was for a terrorist act.” Explaining that this will only be part of a country, Al-Rawi said persons travelling to such areas will be required to give notice, “both when you go and when you come back.” Al-Rawi said when persons leave TT to such destinations, they are actively tracked by local law enforcement agencies in “active cooperation” with this country’s international partners.