BY JAMES BUYINZA The Chamber of Deputies on Friday passed the Terrorism Bill that stipulates between twenty to thirty-five years of imprisonment for terrorists.The bill will deal with any person (s) involved in terrorism acts either by taking hostages of individuals, planting bombs and assisting terrorism factions. Under the legislation, such persons would be charged as terrorist criminals.MP Fedele Mitsindo who heads the Peace and Security Commission said that the bill would help prevent terrorism acts.“After the waiving of the death penalty, we decided that the number of years for imprisonment be adjusted as this would minimize on the dangers of terrorism,” Mitsindo said.He added: “Terrorism is an international threat so we need to do what other countries have done in an effort to combat global terrorism by putting laws that prohibit such acts.”The bill provides for international cooperation and joint probe of terrorists between countries, a close scrutiny or search of vehicles, houses and individual travelers at airports. It prohibits use of atomic bombs and nuclear weapons, any person using one of those weapons, threatens and intimidates others, would be charged for terrorism offences.It further stipulates that promoting terrorist actions either by providing funds, advertising or belonging to a terrorist group is also prohibited and he, who does so, would be charged as a terrorist.It also provides for extradition of terrorists who might be in foreign countries posing threats to their native countries after thorough scrutiny and provision of tangible evidenceThe use of force is allowed in case a suspect rejects the scrutinizing team to search his or her house, Mitsindo said.The Minister of Internal Security, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana reiterated that the government will not tolerate terrorism. He said that his ministry is ready to enforce the law.MPs are hopeful that the bill would put off terrorists from other East African Community (EAC) member countries.
