By Bruno Waterfield - 20th September 2005
Anti-globalisation protesters linked to violent demonstrations should be targeted in the EU war on the roots of terror, the European Commission urged on Wednesday.
EU security chief Franco Frattini is seeking to kick off a Europe-wide debate on the roots of terrorism and “radicalisation”.
The European Commission Vice-President is keen in a discussion paper to stress that the problem is not restricted to young Muslims.
“The commission believes that there is no such thing as ‘Islamic terrorism’, nor ‘catholic’ nor ‘red’ terrorism.”
“None of the religions or democratic political choices of European citizens tolerates, let alone justifies, terrorism,” argues the document.
“The fact that some individuals unscrupulously attempt to justify their crimes in the name of a religion or an ideology cannot be allowed in any way and to any extent whatsoever to cast a shadow upon such a religion or ideology.”
Included among “pure, simple ideology” that is a concern for the commission is anti-globalisation following sometimes violent protests at EU summits.
“Individuals, particularly young people from poorer, or excluded backgrounds, may feel a strong attraction for the certainties’ of extreme, or anti-globalisation, ideologies, although of course it is not only individuals in these categories who are found to have turned to violent radicalisation,” states the position paper.
The commissioner uses a distinction between argument and “concrete” incitement to differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate protest.
“I mean activities that concretely indicate a criminal action as a positive or possible result,” Frattini said.
“I am not talking about criticism of governments or institutions. I am talking about people who talk about concrete targets.”
Frattini, and the commission, are calling on Europe to crack down on broadcasts or websites that “disseminate propaganda which contributes to violent radicalisation”.
“Typically this conveys a reductionist and conspiratorial worldview where inequity and oppression are dominant and entire countries, religions or societies are depicted in a way which denies them human dignity and presents them as collectively guilty.”
“Some form of self-regulation principle or possible code of conduct within the media might be beneficial,” urges the commission text.
The Italian EU executive is not shy of confronting fears over free speech or press freedom.
“It is one of the most sensitive areas but I can not renounce putting it on the table,” he said.
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