Security, Freedom and Democracy: Justification

for the State Terrorism II

 

Atty. Dundar Gurses

Netherlands

 Presented before the Public Forum of the IAPL 3^rd Congress

Davao City, Philippines; 14 October 2006

 

 

Security, freedom and democracy are some ideas that the state uses to justify terrorism by the state. In fact, they misuse these ideas. With these ideas they can maintain their hold on power. These measures vary in types and character. However one thing is clear, and that is, the holders of power have always claimed that these measures are justified from the point of view that these are necessary to insure the security, freedom and democracy of their own people.

 

Recently, the word terrorism has been used more than any other word. If you have not yet been accused of terrorism, then it is as if you don't count anymore. It appears as if all brakes have been let loose.

 

There are various descriptions of what is meant by terrorism. A concise description of terrorism is given in the flyer on terrorism distributed by the Dutch state:
 

"Terrorism is the perpetration or threat of violence against human lives, or causing serious socially disruptive damage."

 

The objective is to institute social change or to influence political decision-making. The Netherlands uses a so-called liberal approach in fighting terrorism. Not only the violent acts themselves are tackled but also the route that led to these acts.

 

With the objective of protecting national security, democracy and freedom, it is found necessary that even in situations where there is yet no suspicion of guilt (which is the requirement of criminal law), the freedom of movement of a person is restricted, with the goal of making the perpetration of terrorist activities difficult, or support for it, and to prevent it, if possible.

 

There is immediately reference to that which happened in New York, Madrid and London: a terrorist attack can result in thousands of victims and disruption of entire societies.

 

Law and regulations are tightened so that the police and intelligence service can arrest people earlier. Modern computer techniques make it also possible to collect and to store a lot of information. What before was not possible has now been arranged in a flash.

 

"Unfortunately, the Netherlands is also vulnerable. The threat is increasing, the chance that the Netherl