Uruguay
Uruguay has a dedicated counterterrorism law adopted in 2019. There is no carve-out for the exercise of fundamental human rights but their protection is specifically referred to in the law. The terrorization of civilians in an armed conflict is specifically included in the definition of terrorism.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
Uruguay's 2019 Antiterrorism Law defines terrorism as follows:
The crimes that are carried out with the purpose of intimidating a population or forcing a government or an international organization to perform an act or to refrain from doing so through the use of weapons of war, explosives, chemical or bacteriological agents, computer or technologies of any nature, or any other suitable means to terrorize the population, endangering the life, physical integrity, liberty or security of an undetermined number of people.
This definition also includes any act intended to cause a state of terror or general fear in part of the population or to cause death or serious bodily injury to a civilian or other person not directly participating in hostilities in an armed conflict.Art. 17, 2019 Antiterrorism Law.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Uruguay is a State Party to all 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 | State Party |
Uruguay is also a State Party to the regional treaty on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 2002 Inter-American Convention against Terrorism | State Party |
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
Conspiracy and preparatory acts will be punished with one third of the penalty that would correspond to the crime if perpetrated.Art. 17, 2019 Antiterrorism Law.Terrorist financing is punishable with three to eighteen years in prison.Art. 18, 2019 Antiterrorism Law.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
Uruguay has counterterrorism expertise in its national police, the Policía Nacional de Uruguay.
Glossary
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