The Associated Press
LONDON- A contentious ban on glorifying terrorism came into effect in Britain Thursday as part of tough new measures introduced after last summer’s London bombings.
The Terrorism Act 2006 bans glorification, preparation or training for terrorism and the distribution of terrorist publications. Organizations found to breach the law may be banned, and individuals can be jailed.
The government argues that the ban on glorifying terrorism is key to disrupting terrorist groups’ recruitment efforts and stopping the spread of dangerous militant ideologies. It was introduced in the wake of the July 7 London transit bombings, which killed 52 commuters and four bombers.
The measures have been criticized as heavy handed and vague by civil liberties groups and some lawyers. They were rejected five times by Parliament’s unelected upper chamber, the House of Lords, before finally being approved last month.
Another controversial measure in the new law _ the ability to hold terrorist suspects for up to 28 days without charge _ is still being discussed with police chiefs and will not take effect for a few months, the government said.