Terrorism and governance in South Africa and Eastern Africa

Terrorism Governance Human Rights

Because of its sheer scale, terrorism is seen as the kind of crime which states should prevent rather than prosecute. Many therefore accord the state special leeway against it. Anti-terrorism legislation accordingly curtails individual rights, allowing action against terrorist suspects before their guilt is proven. It may also relax the requirements for proving guilt if the suspect gets to court. Proponents of this view argue that any harsh treatment which may result is the price which society has to pay to protect the general public.