Tunisia's parliament adopts new anti-terror lawJuly 25, 2015 - 11:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Tunisia's parliament has adopted a new anti-terror law which seeks to counter the threat posed by Islamist militants, BBC News reports. The move follows two deadly attacks on tourism sites - a beach and hotel at Sousse in June and the Bardo Museum in Tunis in March. Under the new law, those convicted of terrorism could face the death penalty and expressions of support for terrorism are a jailable offence. However, rights groups have criticized the new measures as draconian. MPs passed the law overwhelmingly after three days of debate. Mohamed Ennaceur, president of the assembly, called it a "historic" moment and said the new law would "reassure" Tunisians. The law will also make it easier for investigators to tap suspects' phones. Advocacy groups have warned that the law's definition of terrorist crimes is too vague and they say it fails to safeguard the rights of defendants. The new powers allow authorities to detain suspects for 15 days without access to a lawyer or appearance before a judge. Critics have also condemned the return of capital punishment after a lengthy moratorium on executions. A gunman killed 38 people in Sousse on June 28 in an attack claimed by the jihadist group Islamic State (IS). In March, 21 tourists died when gunmen stormed the Bardo museum in the capital, Tunis. IS later said it was behind the raid. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |