Eritrea
Eritrea has a dedicated law on the financing of terrorism, adopted in 2014, which defines terrorism when committed in peacetime and in a situation of armed conflict. Eritrea's 2015 criminal code potentially punishes murder with the death penalty when it is committed for terrorist purposes.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
Eritrea defines an act of terrorism in its Proclamation 175 (2014) as follows:
An act intended to cause death or serious bodily to a civilian, or to any other person not taking an active part in the hostilities in a situation of armed conflict, to commit kidnapping or hostage-taking, cause serious damage to property, cause serious risk to the safety and health of the public, cause damage to the natural resources, environment, historical or cultural heritage, or to endanger, seize or put under control, cause serious interference to or disruption of any public service,
when the purpose of the act, by its nature or context, is to intimidate a population or to compel a government or an international organization to do or to abstain from doing something.Art. 2, 2014 Proclamation on Terrorist Financing.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Eritrea is not a State Party to any of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons | State not party |
| 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention | State not party |
| 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention | State not party |
| 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention | State not party |
| 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention | State not party |
Eritrea is, however, a State Party to the 1999 African Union (OAU) treaty on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1999 Algiers Convention | State Party |
| 2004 Protocol to the Algiers Convention | Signatory |
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
Specific penalties for two criminal offences are increased when they are perpetrated for a terrorist motive. The case of "aggravated" murder has been referred to above, which can attract the death penalty.Art. 276(1)(d), Criminal Code of Eritrea.Kidnapping for terrorist purposes is punishable with a term of imprisonment of not less than seven years and not more than ten years.Art. 290(1)(g), Criminal Code of Eritrea.
Terrorist financing is punishable under the 2014 Proclamation by a term of imprisonment for between five to ten years.Art. 32(1), 2014 Proclamation on Terrorist Financing.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
Eritrea's police force does not have a dedicated counterterrorism unit. Its army also has a potential role in suppressing terrorism.
Glossary
Twitter