Arms police use Terror Act

13 April 2012

Civil rights activists pledged to take legal action today against police for using anti-terrorism powers to stop and search protesters demonstrating against an arms show in London.

Scotland Yard initially denied using the Terrorism Act, but later admitted it had been used by "some officers" involved in policing the exhibition.

Civil rights group Liberty claimed police were making "illegal" use of the anti-terrorism measures against legitimate protesters.

Spokesman Barry Hugill said police stopped and searched people under Section 44 of Terrorism Act 2000 and that Liberty was planning to go to the High Court today to seek a judicial review of the police action.

Scotland Yard initially denied the claim, saying officers were using their powers to stop and search under Section One of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

But last night a Yard spokeswoman conceded that "some officers" were believed to have used Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 during the opening day yesterday.

"It's part of our continuing high-visibility policing," she said.

Mr Hugill said Liberty had obtained a document issued by police when they stopped and searched a protester.

The form sets out reasons for the search and contains a description and personal details of the individual.

Under "grounds" for the police search, the form appears to bear the words "Terrorism Act. S44" and "involved in protests".

Mr Hugill said last night: "Clear evidence has emerged during the day that the police are using unprecedented powers under the Terrorism Act to try and curb peaceful protest.

"Our legal advice is that this is unlawful and we are actively seeking judicial review."

Liberty is furious that controversial powers designed to counter terrorism were
being used against anti-arms protesters.

Yesterday's opening day of the 3rd Defence Systems and Equipment International conference at the ExCel Centre in London's Docklands passed off relatively peacefully.

Seventeen people were arrested yesterday with 51 people detained in the run to the event.

But the protests were muted and caused no serious disruption to the event, which did brisk business yesterday, according to firms involved.

More than 2,600 security guards and officers policed the site, including 25 Ministry of Defence police officers. The security bill is expected to run to more than £1 million.

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