Chapter VI Of The Penal Code For Offences Related To Terrorism

Terrorism is an organised transnational crime that has the potential danger to the stability and security of nations, and largely a threat to international peace. The rise of terrorist armed groups across the globe has brought about renewed efforts by States to enact legislations that will curtail the harmful activities of terrorists. Detention is one of such effort used in preventing and disrupting the plans of these terrorists. Nations affected by the activities of armed terrorists experienced arrest and detention of suspects, backed with terrorism prevention legislations with the expected aim of safeguarding the national security. Nevertheless, such detentions are often posed with perceived threat of violation of rights. Cases of prolonged detention without trials are alleged, where suspects are kept on unsubstantiated suspicions

Chapter VI of the Penal Code provides for offences against the state including waging war against the King which members of the al-Maunah group were convicted upon. Recognising the increasing threat of terrorism, amendments were made to the Penal Code to create offences specifically to terrorism. Chapter VIA provides for offences relating to terrorism including providing devices and recruiting members and supporting for terrorist groups. Included in the amendment to the Penal Code are new offences of activities “detrimental to parliamentary democracy” under section 124B and the offence of “sabotage” under section 124K of the Penal Code. The Penal Code defines “activity detrimental to parliamentary democracy” as an activity “designed to overthrow or undermine parliamentary democracy by violent or unconstitutional means”. Sabotage is defined as an act or omission intending to cause harm i) for the interest of foreign powers or foreign organizations; or ii) to premises or utilities used for national defence or for war; or iii) to the maintenance of essential