What is a proscribed terrorist group? Task
The word ‘proscribed’ means that something is banned or forbidden. According to the Terrorism Act 2000, the Home Secretary can ban a group if they think it is connected to terrorism. Terrorism means the threat or use of serious violence, severe damage to property, risks to public health and/or safety, or causes disruption to an electronic system. The use or threat of the action must be intended to influence the government or to threaten the public with an aim linked to a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.
The criminal offences related to proscription, with the relevant section of the Terrorism Act 2000, are:
- Being a part of, or saying that you are a part of, a proscribed group (section 11)
- Providing support, or having an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed group (section 12)
- Being involved in meetings associated with a proscribed group (section 12)
- Wearing clothing or carrying items in public linked to a proscribed group (section 13)
- Sharing an image of clothing/items associated with a proscribed group (section 13)
Proscription can help support other disruptive activities in relation to the proscription offences. Other disruptive activities include removing online materials and freezing resources. The resources of a proscribed group are terrorist property and therefore can be seized.
A sentence (in the legal world) is the punishment ordered by the court. The punishments for proscription offences under sections 11 and 12 are a maximum of ten years in prison and/or a fine. The punishments for offences under section 13 are a maximum of six months in prison and/or a fine not exceeding £5,000.