Palau
Palau has dedicated counterterrorism provisions in its Criminal Code. The maximum sentence is life imprisonment. There is no carve-out for the exercise of fundamental human rights.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
The Criminal Code defines a "terrorist act" as follows:
any act that is intended, or by its nature or context can be reasonably regarded as intended, to advance political, ideological, or religious causes, by intimidating the public or any portion of the public, or by compelling or attempting to compel a government or an international or regional organization to do or refrain from doing any act, and:
(1) involves the seizing or detaining, and threatening to kill, injure, harm, or continue to detain, another person;
(2) endangers the life of any person;
(3) creates a risk to the health or the safety of the public, or to any portion of the public;
(4) endangers the national security or national defense of any country;
(5) involves substantial damage to property;
(6) involves the hijacking, seizure or sabotage of any conveyance (including an aircraft, vessel, ship, or vehicle), or of any fixed platform attached to the continental shelf;
(7) involves any act that is designed to disrupt or destroy an electronic system, including, without limitation: (i) an information system; (ii) a telecommunications system; (iii) a financial system; (iv) a system used for the delivery of essential government services; (v) a system used for, or by, an essential public utility; or (vi) a system used for, or by, a transport system; or
(8) involves any act that is designed to disrupt the provision of essential emergency services such as the police, civil defense, or medical services.S. 4202 (mm), Criminal Code of Palau.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Palau 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 |
There is currently no regional terrorism treaty to which Palau can adhere.
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
The Criminal Code imposes a minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment for the commission of a terrorist offence.S. 4205, Criminal Code of Palau.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
Palau has no dedicated counterterrorism capacity in its national police.
Glossary
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