Safeguard on terror bill
People or groups branded by the Chief Executive as 'terrorists' or 'terrorist associates' would have the label dropped after three years as a safeguard, according to a government paper.
Under the bill seeking to localise a United Nations' resolution after last September's attacks in the United States, the Chief Executive would be empowered to declare groups or people as terrorists 'when he has reasonable grounds to believe so'.
'Terrorist' identities would be made public, property could be seized and funds blocked.
A Security Bureau paper submitted to Legco yesterday, said the UN's anti-terrorism bill stated that labelling of terrorists, terrorist associates or terrorist property would unconditionally lapse after three years as a 'safeguard'.
People or groups branded as terrorists would be allowed to appeal to the High Court to have the label revoked, and the Government required to justify its original decisions.
Under the bill, a terrorist act is defined as the use or threat of action to influence a Government or intimidate the public with the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause.
