NCJ Number
78827
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Debate associated with efforts to reach agreements on cooperative efforts to counter terrorism among European States is reviewed, and areas for possible further cooperative action against terrorism are suggested.
Abstract
Much of the controversy associated with the development of a cooperative approach against terrorism among European States is related to resistance to any policy changes that might threaten valued liberal democratic principles designed to protect political dissenters from State persecution and ensure that citizens are not subject to unreasonable intrusion or unfair treatment by the State. Thus, the emphasis has been on combating terrorism by establishing defined terrorist offenses as being criminal rather than political, so as to permit prosecution or extradition. Even so, it has not been easy to persuade all member Governments of the merit of such an approach. Not until November 1979, was there governmental acceptance of such principles, and the process for securing parliamentary ratification of a formal agreement to this effect has yet to be completed. Other areas that community members might explore with a view toward intensifying cooperation include the establishment of a European judicial area to assist in the development of a communitywide penal system; the development of policies toward hostage-taking, kidnapping, and payment of ransoms; and regulation of media coverage of terrorist acts pending either the release of hostages, payment of ransoms, or acquiescence of either party to the other's demands. Nine notes and references are listed.