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21 Oct 2022

Since the early 2000s, most people have been on high alert about terrorism, and terrorism alerts have been put in place in the UK with stricter rules than ever before.

The laws surrounding terrorism have also changed, and now the police and other authorities have the power to hold or detain people under the suspicion of terrorism for longer than they had been able to previously.

The introduction of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 has cemented a lot of these changes into law, and in this article, you will be introduced to what this means.

If you have been accused of a terrorist act in the UK, you will need a criminal team with the experience to defend you, and that is where our team at ABV Solicitors comes in. Our criminal solicitor will be able to offer you advice and liaise with the police and the courts on your behalf to have any charges that would be brought against you dropped or reduced.

So, what are some of the key things you need to know about the Counter-Terrorism Act of 2008? Here is a short guide from our criminal solicitor.

Terrorist connection

Many people have found themselves linked to terrorist acts via association. And in years gone by, if this was found to be the case, but you were not directly responsible, the sentence or penalty would be minimal. However, according to our criminal solicitor, the Counter-Terrorism Act now means that judges can sentence those who are linked to terrorism to longer sentences; this can even be applied if you are found to be in support of a terrorist organisation.

Restrictions without trial

Suppose you were arrested on a charge of terrorism but released without trial; this does not mean you are free per se, and restrictions may be placed on you based on suspicion alone.

According to the newer laws, the police and the courts can prevent you from travelling abroad potentially for the rest of your life. Also, if you are planning to holiday in the UK or simply aiming to sleep away from home for a few days, you will legally be required to inform the police at your nearest station about where you are going and how long you will be gone.

Prosecution of volunteers

If you are a volunteer at a youth group, hospital or mental health charity and you overhear that someone in your group is planning a terrorist act, you need to report it as soon as possible. If you do not, you are opening yourself up for prosecution; this is not only limited to overhearing such things in the UK. If you are volunteering abroad and overhear such plans, you need to report these too.

Silence isn’t golden

If you have been questioned by the police about a terrorist charge, even after you are released, they are legally allowed to call you back in for further questioning at any time. Also, the old ideology of staying silent during police interviews can now be held against you and is more likely to be interpreted as a sign of guilt.