Lord Tomlinson: Fighting Terrorism Could Undermine Human Rights

Governments fighting terrorism may be tempted into “a strong-armed approach that gives public security precedence over the respect for human rights,” Lord John Tomlinson has warned.

Turkey To Host International Anti-Terrorism Conference

An international Conference on “Prevention of Terrorism: Prevention Tools, Legal Instruments and Their Implementation” will be held on 16 and 17 December in Istanbul, Turkey.


In the aftermath of a reported suicide bombing in Istanbul last month (October) which claimed 32 lives, the Council of Europe conference brings together national and international experts to address the changing nature of terrorism.

Venice Commission: Al Qaeda Detainees 'Protected' By Geneva Conventions

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Heightened anxiety over the threat of terrorism in Europe should not lead to changes in the protection offered by the Geneva Conventions, Council of Europe legal experts have declared.

"The Geneva Conventions – regarding provisions for detention and treatment of persons - may date back to 1949 but they are still valid," said a spokeswoman for the Venice Commission.

The commission's declaration follows concern that the protection given to those who qualify as Prisoners of War (POWs) should be changed to meet the current international terrorist threat posed by al Qaeda.