Dominica
Dominica has detailed terrorism financing legislation but the breadth of proposed new provisions in an anti-terrorism bill is an issue of concern, potentially capturing political opposition to the regime.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
The 2003 Terrorist Financing Act contains a definition of terrorist act as
(a) an act that involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, property or infrastructure and such act is intended or, by its nature and context, may reasonably be regarded as being intended to-
(i) intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) influence the policy of any Government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, kidnapping or hostage taking;
(b) an act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to a civilian or any other person not taking an active part in the hostilities in a situation of armed conflict and such act is intended or, by its nature and context, may reasonably be regarded as being intended to-
(i) intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) influence the policy of any Government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, kidnapping or hostage taking;
(c) an act that constitutes an offence within the scope of any counterterrorism convention listed in the Schedule to this Act.S. 2, 2003 Terrorist Financing Act.
In 2020, the Human Rights Committee expressed concern about the 2018 Anti-Terrorism Bill for its "very broad" definition of terrorism and the danger that it might be used as a tool to intimidate political opposition. As of writing, the Bill had not yet been adopted.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Dominica is a State Party to most of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons | State Party |
| 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention | State Party |
| 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention | State Party |
| 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention | State Party |
| 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention | Signatory |
Dominica is also a State Party to the main regional treaty on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 2002 Inter-American Convention against Terrorism | State Party |
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
Terrorist financing carries a maximum penalty of twenty-five years in prison along with a fine.S. 5, 2003 Terrorist Financing Act.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
Dominica does not have a dedicated counterterrorism police unit.
Glossary
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