Close X
Wednesday, December 4, 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

    Federal Government Announces $35 Million For Research At Universities

    Federal Government Announces $35 Million For Research At Universities
    SASKATOON — The federal government has announced more than $35 million in research infrastructure funding for 37 Canadian universities where scientists are pushing the boundaries of knowledge in areas such as breast cancer prevention, intelligent drone technology and better pet food.

    Federal Government Announces $35 Million For Research At Universities

    Edmonton woman wins $15 million in Lotto Max draw from last October

    Edmonton woman wins $15 million in Lotto Max draw from last October
    EDMONTON — An Edmonton woman has won $15 million playing the Lotto Max.

    Edmonton woman wins $15 million in Lotto Max draw from last October

    Finance Minister Joe Oliver vows balanced budget in 2015

    Finance Minister Joe Oliver vows balanced budget in 2015
    DAVOS, Switzerland — Finance Minister Joe Oliver says he will not budge from his plan to deliver a balanced budget come April, even with the recent decline in crude oil prices.

    Finance Minister Joe Oliver vows balanced budget in 2015

    Royal Bank to buy U.S.-based City National in US$5.4-billion deal

    Royal Bank to buy U.S.-based City National in US$5.4-billion deal
    TORONTO — Several years after selling its U.S. retail banking business, the Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) is venturing south of the border again, with a US$5.4-billion deal to acquire Los Angeles-based City National Corp.

    Royal Bank to buy U.S.-based City National in US$5.4-billion deal

    B.C. Boys Who Made 'How To Kill Your Teacher' Video Say It Was A Joke

    B.C. Boys Who Made 'How To Kill Your Teacher' Video Say It Was A Joke
    CASTLEGAR, B.C. — Two boys who made an online video titled "How to Kill Your Teacher" have told police in Castlegar, B.C., that it was intended as a joke.

    B.C. Boys Who Made 'How To Kill Your Teacher' Video Say It Was A Joke

    RCMP Brass Launch Review Of Kamloops Officer's Shooting; Corporal Still Recovering

    RCMP Brass Launch Review Of Kamloops Officer's Shooting; Corporal Still Recovering
    KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Mounties in British Columbia's Interior say an internal review is now running parallel to the criminal probe into last month's shooting of an RCMP officer.

    RCMP Brass Launch Review Of Kamloops Officer's Shooting; Corporal Still Recovering