With no clear definition of what is considered “extremism”.
New counterterror laws likened to “thought crime” by a United Nations inspector have come into force. A raft of new measures mean people can be jailed for viewing terrorist propaganda online, entering “designated areas” abroad and making “reckless expressions” of support for proscribed groups. The
Source: New law where clicking on terrorist propaganda once could mean 15 years in prison comes into force
The full provisions that have commenced today:
- create an offence of reckless expressions of support for a proscribed organisation;
- create an offence of publication of images, and a police power to seize items as evidence, related to a proscribed organisation;
- create an offence of obtaining or viewing terrorist material over the internet;
- create an offence of entering or remaining in a designated area;
- amend the offences of encouragement of terrorism and dissemination of terrorist publications;
- extend extra-territorial jurisdiction for certain offences including inviting support for a proscribed organisation;
- increase maximum sentences for terrorism offences;
- make extended sentences available for terrorism offences – ending automatic early release and allowing a longer period on licence;
- strengthen notification requirements on convicted terrorists, and introduce greater powers to enter and search their homes;
- extend Serious Crime Prevention Orders for terrorism offences;
- introduce further traffic regulations; and
- provide for a statutory review of Prevent
