“New Guidelines Target Those Who ‘Foment, Justify or Glorify’ Violence,” from the Washington Post, or as Hugh calls it, the Bandar Beacon:
LONDON — People who “foment, justify or glorify terrorist violence” will be deported and banned from Britain under new guidelines released Wednesday by the country’s top law enforcement official.
Home Secretary Charles Clarke outlined new guidelines in the most detailed explanation to date of proposals announced earlier this month by Prime Minister Tony Blair.
On the new list of “unacceptable behaviors” announced by Clarke is using Web sites, writing, preaching, publishing or distributing materials that “seek to provoke others to terrorist acts” or “foster hatred.”
“Individuals who seek to create fear, distrust and division in order to stir up terrorist activity will not be tolerated by the government or by our communities,” Clarke said, in a statement detailing measures that are a direct result of last month’s subway and train bombings in London, which killed 56 people, including four presumed bombers, and injured 700.
While human rights activists and others have criticized the measures, polls have shown overwhelming public support for tightening laws against religious extremism, even if that means limits on free speech and other civil liberties in a nation with a long tradition of tolerance.
“We recognize the sensitivities around the use of these powers and intend to use them in a measured and targeted way,” Clarke said. “These powers are not intended to stifle free speech or legitimate debate about religions or other issues. Britain is rightly proud of its openness and diversity and we must not allow those driven by extremism of any sort to destroy that tradition.”
Clarke also said a “database of individuals around the world who have demonstrated these unacceptable behaviors will be developed” and made available to immigration officers monitoring those entering Britain. He did not specify who would compile the list or how extensive it might be.
Clarke’s statement did not refer to any particular religious or ethnic group, but all nine men suspected by police of carrying bombs last month are Muslim. In his statement on Aug. 5, Blair said he would ban two Islamic organizations from Britain and he said he planned to bar Muslim clerics who were “not suitable to preach.”…