Brunei Darussalam

The Definition of Terrorism in International Law

The primary terrorism law in Brunei is the 2011 Terrorism Order. The Order defines a terrorist act broadly as follows:

(a) an act or omission in or outside Brunei Darussalam which constitutes an offence within the scope of a counterterrorism convention; or 

(b) the use or threat of action (whether in Brunei Darussalam or elsewhere) -

(i) where the action -

(A) involves serious violence against any person; 

(B) involves serious damage to property; 

(C) endangers any person's life; 

(D) creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public; 

(E) involves the use of firearms or explosives; 

(F) involves releasing into the environment or any part thereof, or distributing or otherwise exposing the public or any part thereof to (I) any dangerous, hazardous, radioactive or harmful substance; (II) any toxic chemical; (III) any microbial or other biological agent or toxin; or (IV) any nuclear material; 

(G) is designed to disrupt any public computer system or the provision of services directly related to communications infrastructure, banking or any financial services, public utilities, public transportation or public key infrastructure; 

(H) is designed to disrupt the provision of essential emergency services; or 

(I) involves prejudice to public security or national defence; 

(ii) where the use or threat is intended or reasonably regarded as intending to -

(A) influence or compel the Government, any other government or any international organisation to do or abstain from doing any act; or 

(B) intimidate the public or a section of the public.S. 2, 2011 Anti-Terrorism Order. 

There is no carve-out for the exercise of fundamental human rights.

Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties

Brunei has adhered to most of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism. 

It is not known if Brunei has adhered to the 1999 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Convention on Combating International Terrorism.

Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences

The death penalty is imposable for certain offences where death is caused. Certain offences are punishable by life imprisonment. Otherwise, and in general, a term of imprisonment of up to thirty years can be imposed for terrorist offences under the 2011 Anti-Terrorism Order.

Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level

The Royal Brunei Police Force does not have a dedicated counterterrorism unit.