The British state has recast protest as terrorism
Britain’s ever-broader terrorism laws are erasing the line between political violence, protest and dissent.
When asked what terrorism is, will say that it is the apply of violence and terror to create fear among people,
Most people. This is broadly the dictionary definition. The 2017 Manchester Arena bombing at an Ariana Grande concert, in which 22 people, including numerous children, were killed, is a clear example.
Yet the legal definition of terrorism in Britain is far broader than this common understanding. Section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000 allows even “damage to property” to constitute terrorism when it is carried out for a political, religious, racial or ideological purpose and is intended to influence the government or intimidate the public. Where firearms or explosives are involved, the latter requirement does not apply.
