The Definition of Terrorism CM 7052 - Official Documents

INTERNATIONAL SOURCES
17. I have attempted to categorise national definitions of terrorism.Although some of
the comments in Table 1 below may not command universal agreement, I trust that
they will be accepted as a fair judgment 10 .All the countries named are signatories to
a wide range of international treaties on terrorism and its consequences.
18. Table 1: Countries
Country
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
General description
No separate national
definition
No separate national
definition
Very broad
No separate national
definition
Narrow
No separate national
definition
Very broad
Similar definition to the UK
No separate national
definition
Comments
Implements UN Resolution
1373 (which does not define
terrorism)
Signatory to all material
international treaties
Signatory to international
treaties
Intention must be against the
constitution or state
institutions
See Security Legislation
Amendment (Terrorism) Act
2002.An action to advance a
political, religious or
ideological cause and with
the intention of coercing the
government or intimidating
the public.
Terrorism referred to in the
criminal code, but there are
not specific terrorism
offences
10
Parts of the table are derived from Counter-Terrorism Legislation & Practice, A Survey of Selected Countries Foreign and
Commonwealth Office, October 2005.
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