Introduction

What is a terrorist? This question must be answered to answer the rest of the question.

According to Oxford Languages:

A terrorist is a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of a political aim

According to the FBI:

The same acts are carried out by those associated with designated foreign terrorist outfits or countries. A domestic terrorist changes classification based on ideology produced from local influences, such as political, religious, social, racial, or environmental factors.

Would it be fair to detain such individuals without trial?

Various laws allow governments to ‘detain’ individuals without arresting them or processing them through trials. If someone is suspected of an activity, laws allow them to be detained for a specific period before they have to either be released or given a trial. These laws vary from nation to nation.

Yes, it is fair, considering that governments could pre-emptively protect their citizens from death, disease or other acts of terror. There must be a strong and fast-acting committee to oversee such detainment. There also must be a limit to how long these people can be detained if there is no evidence to support their link to acts of terrorism.

Many nations, such as the US, have come under heavy scrutiny for detaining individuals without following recommended procedures. Some of them have even been released many years later. They were detained for periods longer than most prison sentences without ever having been convicted. This should not be allowed.

Conclusion

Proper trials are an essential part of every democratic society, whether for terrorists or other criminals. However, there must be compelling evidence and recommended international laws. The fairness of their detainment will have to be based on evidence.

FAQs

How can we do our part in counter-terrorism?

It is important that we communicate with authorities, report any reasonably suspicious activity, do not share personal information with strangers, and stay vigilant. It is equally important to remember that not all of us are trained in spotting acts of terrorism or dealing with it. Report it to the authorities and let them decide the best course of action.

Is there a specific set of people that are likely to be terrorists?

No, terrorism is not restricted to any specific group of people. Any human being can commit an act of terrorism.

Did terrorism start with 9/11?

No, terrorism has been around for a very long time. Humans have been perpetrating various acts of violence against each other. However, these acts have been labelled under various different acts. Of course, the winner decides the narrative of history.

Are terrorists everywhere?

The answer is no and yes. While there may not be continuous acts of terrorism everywhere simultaneously, the people who carry out such acts can be anywhere. Often terrorist factions will embed themselves deep within a seemingly normal society to minimise detection. This does not mean that we should suspect everyone of terrorism, understand that it exists, and suspect or report suspicions if you see an act, not if you think you see and act.