FNC meet reviews draft on anti-terrorism law

Through this law, the country will be able to protect its people and the state with effective preventive measures.

The UAE’s tough draft law preventing and combating terrorist activities on its soil and the region at large came under review and debate at the Federal National Council (FNC) on Monday.

The debate and review of the anti-terrorism law began after Taraweeh prayers and continued till the early hours of Tuesday.

According to FNC members, it was for the first time that an extraordinary meeting was called during summer recess period and at night because of its importance.

“You can imagine how important this draft law is for the country when it is discussed during the summer break and at night. This deserves to be taken care of and discussed thoroughly so that no loopholes are left,” said member Ahmed Obaid Al Mansouri from Dubai.

Chaired by Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, the meeting was also attended by ministers concerned and senior officials from security agencies of the country.

The member added that through this law, the country will be able to protect its people and the state with effective preventive measures.

Al Mansouri said the bill has been drafted to ensure that individuals’ rights are not breached. “The law after its approval and implementation guarantees the rights of the people. It protects and respects the rights of all individuals and at the same time prevents and combats terrorist activities in and around the country.”

He added that another aspect of the draft law is the treatment of terrorism — that is the rehabilitation of those imprisoned for terrorist activities. Under the law, those found guilty of terrorist activities, carrying out or assisting terrorist activities and conspiring against the state and its rulers will face capital punishment or life imprisonment in addition to financial penalties ranging from Dh1 million to Dh100 million.

Al Mansouri said the most important aspect of the law is dealing with a terrorist activity right from the beginning and allowing to deal with it at all levels.

“The law ensures it protects people and serves their rights as well as ensures stability and peace in society. UAE cares about the lives of human beings and their safety, stability and peace. The law also does not limit to the UAE but prevents and combats terrorism both eternally and externally,” he said.

Another member, Salem Mohammed Al Ameri from Al Ain, said he has gone through the draft law and found it to be one of the most comprehensive and effective. “This extraordinary meeting has been called during the summer break because the Government wants the bill passed, approved and implanted at the earliest to help protect national interest. It is a transparent bill with no loopholes, and I expect its earliest implementation.

This law not only protects people from internal and external threats, but it also protects the interests of the entire region.”

Before going for the meeting, Al Ameri said it was timely the new law was being discussed and implemented.

“We have laws designed for combating terrorism, but it was time that these laws were amended. This is of international standard covering each and every aspect to prevent and combat such criminal activities,” he added.

Dr Abdulkhaleq Abdullah, Professor of Political Science at Emirates University, was also optimistic about the new law’s positive outcomes when implemented.

He said it was necessary for the UAE to come up with a tough new anti-terrorist law as the country and the rest of the world was entering into a new era. He said: “We are entering a new era where we see terrorism encroaching our door-steps and threatening us.

The UAE and the rest of the Gulf countries must look around and come up with protective measures. It is always good to be cautious and preventive than just combating.

The message is clear. UAE does not allow terrorist activities and want them away.”

Dr Abdullah said it was the toughest law in the 40-year history of the country.

“It was the good time to come up with such a tough law. The law clearly says no to terrorism. It is an exceptional law addressing an exceptional issue. And it was wise of the Government to send it through FNC for review,” he added.

Under the law, counseling centres will be established across the country where people affected by terrorism or imprisoned for terrorist associations will be rehabilitated.

The centres established in jails will provide intensive religious and social counseling.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com