[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin has expressed serious concerns about the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill that is currently being considered by parliament.

In her submission Professor Ni Aoláin states that the bill risks criminalising a broad range of legitimate behaviour, including reporting by journalists. She highlights the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and finds that parts of the bill fail to meet the UK’s obligations under international human rights law.

Professor Ni Aoláin questions the need for new terrorism offences that would be introduced by the bill and recommends that the bill should be amended. She also recommends that the UK should launch an independent review of the Prevent strategy.

Joy Hyvarinen, head of advocacy, said: “Index welcomes Professor Ní Aoláin’s recommendations on the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill. We share her concerns about the bill’s impact on journalism, academic research and freedom of expression and question whether the bill is fit for purpose.”

Index submitted a paper to parliament to ask it to reconsider the bill.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”12″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”4″ element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1533291161920-eefc9b7d-f927-5″ taxonomies=”27743″][/vc_column][/vc_row]