Terrorism is generally defined as acts of violence directed at civilians in the pursuit of political or ideological aims. Every country has anti-terrorism laws to combat terrorism and to crack down on terrorist organisations.
In many countries, anti-terror laws are being used to curb people’s civil liberties. This occurs not only in the "developed" West where Muslims are subjected to unwarranted harassment through stop, seizures and arrests, but in “developing” countries where these laws are used against political opponents.
Anti-terror laws are used as weapons against government critics and peaceful dissent. They use vague definitions of terrorism to label activists and journalists as terrorists. Such laws usually allow the government and security forces to conduct raids without warrants if they suspect any organisation or individual of propagating terrorist ideologies or taking part in terrorist activities. Suspects can also be jailed for long periods without access to lawyers or any chance of bail.
Democracy is falling victim to anti-terrorism laws used as an instrument of oppression. Arrests under these laws expose an imbalance between basic human rights and fundamental freedoms and the interests of the State and the ruling party.
Security concerns are justified but they should not come at the price of hard-earned civil liberties. Dissent should not equate to arrest. If they do, what is the difference between a democracy and a dictatorship?
Written by Anushree Appandairajan
Artwork by Zara Masood
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