fbpx

Kenya Parliament May Bring More Troubles To Terrorism Suspects

Kenya Parliament May Bring More Troubles To Terrorism Suspects

From Today Online

Kenya’s parliament is due to vote on Thursday on a bill to let police hold suspects in terrorism-related cases for a year and take other measures that rights activists say would threaten civil liberties and free speech.

The proposed amendments to the existing security law, which include extending the time suspects can be held without charge to 360 days from 90 days, follows a spate of attacks by Islamist militants on Kenya’s border region with Somalia that has killed dozens of people.

The amendments would also fine media organizations up to 5 million shillings ($55,340) for printing material that is “likely to cause fear or alarm”. The proposal does not define such material.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has faced mounting pressure to boost the country’s security since an attack in September 2013 on Nairobi’s Westgate mall that left 67 people dead.

Kenyatta on Wednesday urged legislators to pass the proposed Bill.

“There is nothing to fear about the Bill unless you have been engaging in criminal activities,” Kenyatta said.

Read more at Today Online