ABU DHABI // The Federal National Council (FNC) is due to meet on Monday to revise and discuss a new anti-terrorism draft law.
After approval by the FNC, it will be sent to the UAE Cabinet for consideration, and then to the President for final approval.
The legislation will replace laws drafted in 2005, which members believe are outdated and do not cover new forms of terrorism.
The new laws define a terrorist as someone who is committing any act that is considered illegal that will result in terror, whether directly or indirectly.
These results include provoking terror among a group of people, killing people or causing physical harm to people or property. They also include opposing the state or any other state or international organisation that is conducting its work.
In addition to covering traditional weapons, such as firearms, missiles and explosives, the new law includes non-traditional weapons as a tool for terrorism. Those include any device designed to kill others or harm lives through the spread of poisonous chemicals, infectious diseases or radiation.
Those who produce, import or export, possess or transport any of these substances for terrorist purposes will face a life sentence.
Anyone who steals or acquires by force, fraud, threat or blackmail any of these non-traditional weapons will be punished by either death or a life sentence.
Those who attempt to use them could also face execution or life in jail. Those who actually use them will be sentenced to death if it was used in an act of terrorism.
Similarly, a death penalty or life sentence can be issued to those impersonating a public figure or claiming to be on assignment for a public service.
A death penalty or life sentence will also apply to any individual who kidnaps or hijacks anyone for more than 24 hours.
The same punishments will apply to anyone who resists forces sent to rescue the hostages if the hostage was a female or a mentally disabled person.
In addition, whoever establishes, organises or manages a terrorist organisation will face the same punishment, including those who coerce others to join the group.
The laws state anyone convicted of attacking or endangering the life of the President, Vice President or any of the Rulers and their families could face the death sentence.
Anyone who starts, runs or manages a secret organisation faces a death penalty or life sentence.
Those found guilty of stating their opposition to the Government face at least 10 years in jail, while those who commit any act that threatens the security or safety of the country, or attempts a coup, will face death or a life sentence.
Moreover, anyone who knows about a plot to destabilise the country but does not report it to the authorities faces 10 years in jail.
If someone is convicted of hijacking an airliner or ship, they will face life in prison.
This becomes a death sentence if it results in the injury or death of a person, or if the hijacker resists rescuers by force.
Anyone found guilty of reporting a non-existent terror plot faces a minimum of five years in jail if the intention was to cause panic and terror among the public.
Those who carry around fake explosives or bombs in public will be sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison.
hdajani@thenational.ae
