Close X
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
ADVT 
National

A look at what other countries have done to combat the threat of terrorism

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Jan, 2015 10:50 AM

    OTTAWA — New anti-terror measures introduced Friday by the Conservative government are seen as a direct response to the attacks in October in which two Canadian soldiers were killed by men believed to be influenced by radical Islam.

    The Harper government considered both to be acts of terrorism.

    In response, they're proposing to give Canada's spy agency greater powers to disrupt potential attacks and also broaden the ability of the RCMP to go after possible suspects.

    In recent years, other countries have also introduced legislative reforms to thwart the growing threat of terrorism or in direct response to attacks on their soil.

    Here's a look at what some of the measures have been, what precipitated them and what happened after.

    France

    Last fall, the French government tightened its anti-terrorism legislation because of concerns about the growing number of nationals joining radical causes at home and abroad.

    Measures included:

    — a travel ban on anyone believed to be travelling to join a terrorist group abroad.

    — creation of new offences and new punishments for terrorists believed to be acting alone.

    — the power for authorities to block websites that "glorify terrorism" without the intervention of a judge.

    In January, two gunman tied to Al Qaeda in Yemen stormed the Paris office of the satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo, killing 11 people, in apparent retaliation for provocative cartoons published by the paper of the prophet Muhammad.

    The two men died in a shoot out with police two days later and a third, who had taken a Jewish supermarket hostage, also died.

    The French government is now considering boosting anti-terror measures further, included beefed up surveillance powers.

    Australia

    In September 2014, security agencies claimed to have foiled a plot by Islamic extremists to carry out executions in Sydney and Brisbane.

    The Australian government said it was an example of a growing threat to the country from Islamic radicals affiliated with the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Iraq.

    In response, a suite of new laws were introduced last fall.

    Measures included:

    — making it a crime to advocate terrorism.

    — sentences of life in prison for those who travel overseas to engage in hostile activities.

    — making it a crime to travel to or stay in an area designated as being of "terrorist activity", with some exceptions for family visits and other legitimate travel.

    — require telecommunications companies to retain customer's phone and computer metadata for around two year.

    In December 2014, a man with a criminal record for assault and known to have radical views, took 17 people hostage in a Sydney cafe, before being shot and killed by police.

    While he was known to security, he wasn't actively being monitored.

    Britain

    On July 7, 2005, four suicide bombers detonated bombs in the London Underground and on a city bus, killing 52 people and injuring close to 800.

    Two of the bombers had made videos ahead of time in which they declared their motivations being linked to radical Islam.

    In response, the British government introduced the Terrorist Act of 2006.

    New measures included:

    — extension of police powers to hold terrorist suspect up to 28 days without charge.

    — making it a crime to encourage terrorism by directly or indirectly inciting or encouraging others to commit acts of terrorism.

    — creating new offences to allow for the prosecution of anyone who gives or receives training in terrorist techniques.

    In 2013, a British soldier was murdered in London by two British men linked to radical Islam. A report into the attack found that security forces were aware of the two men but said they couldn't stop them. A further suite of legislation was introduced late last year as a response.

    Proposals include:

    — giving police the power to force Internet companies to hand over details that could help identify suspected terrorists.

    — banning British citizens suspected of involvement in terrorist activity abroad from coming back into the U.K. for two years.

    — requiring named institutions, including colleges and universities, to implement anti-radicalization programs.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Mother of Woman Killed In Kamloops Crash Is 'Utterly And Completely Shattered'

    Mother of Woman Killed In Kamloops Crash Is 'Utterly And Completely Shattered'
    The mother of one of two people killed by a driver who crossed into the other lane on the Trans-Canada Highway near Spences Bridge says she is "utterly and completely shattered."

    Mother of Woman Killed In Kamloops Crash Is 'Utterly And Completely Shattered'

    Coquitlam Man Charged For Keying Over 100 Vehicles In The Lower Mainland

    Coquitlam Man Charged For Keying Over 100 Vehicles In The Lower Mainland
    NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. — Charges have been approved for a man accused of keying over 100 Vancouver-area vehicles this month.

    Coquitlam Man Charged For Keying Over 100 Vehicles In The Lower Mainland

    Passport Fees A Cash Cow For Federal Government

    Passport Fees A Cash Cow For Federal Government
    The cost for a five-year passport increased to $120 from $87 last year, while a new 10-year passport was introduced at a cost of $160.

    Passport Fees A Cash Cow For Federal Government

    Nisga'a Sign Pipeline Benefits Deal With B.C., Back LNG Projects

    Nisga'a Sign Pipeline Benefits Deal With B.C., Back LNG Projects
    VICTORIA — The Nisga'a Nation has signed an agreement with the B.C. government to receive benefits from proposed liquefied natural gas projects.

    Nisga'a Sign Pipeline Benefits Deal With B.C., Back LNG Projects

    Yukon man tells court he can legally shoot wolves because of aboriginal rights

    Yukon man tells court he can legally shoot wolves because of aboriginal rights
    WHITEHORSE — A First Nations' man who claims to have an aboriginal right to shoot wolves has pleaded not guilty to three charges under the Yukon Wildlife Act.

    Yukon man tells court he can legally shoot wolves because of aboriginal rights

    CBC not barring Linden MacIntyre interviews despite internal memo

    CBC not barring Linden MacIntyre interviews despite internal memo
    TORONTO — Linden MacIntyre has not been barred from appearing on CBC News Network this week despite an internal memo to the contrary.

    CBC not barring Linden MacIntyre interviews despite internal memo