New UN expert on counter-terrorism and human rights appointed

The UN Commission on Human Rights appointed Martin Scheinin as Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights while countering terrorism. His mandate includes making recommendations and advising states, as well as gathering information about possible violations...

Germany: Conviction in 9/11 case

On 19 August, the Hamburg Higher Regional Court convicted Mounir El Motassadeq, member of the so-called Hamburg cell, to seven years imprisonment for membership in a terrorist organization, but acquitting him of murder charges relating to the 9/11 attacks in the USA....

Germany: European Arrest Warrant and surveillance laws declared void

On 18 July, the Constitutional Court declared German legislation on the European Arrest Warrant void for not providing a judicial remedy against the execution of the warrant and for not sufficiently protecting German citizens against extradition to third countries. On...

Italy: New legislation enacted for terrorism cases

The Italian Parliament adopted a set of new counter-terrorism measures including new expulsion procedures and new investigating powers in terrorism cases. The legislation includes allowing terrorist suspects to be interrogated without the presence of a lawyer. Law...

UK: Revelations on “shoot-to-kill” policy

The shooting of an innocent Brazilian national, Jean Charles de Menezes, in a London tube station on 22 July, has led to public revelations about the existence of a “shoot-to-kill” policy to prevent suicide attacks. Details of this policy, reportedly adopted three...
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