Q645: Please can you tell me what the definitions of terrorism and terrorist are?

These definitions are provided by the Terrorism Act 2000.

Terrorist is a person who,

• has committed certain offences under the Terrorism Act 2000, (for example, is linked to a proscribed organisation, provides money/property he suspects will be used for purposes of terrorism, uses money/property for purposes of terrorism) or
• is or has been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Terrorism means the use or threat of action where

• the action,
  • involves serious violence against a person,
  • involves serious damage to property,
  • endangers a person's life, other than that of the person committing the action,
  • creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public, or
  • is designed seriously to interfere with or seriously to disrupt an electronic system or,
    
• the use or threat is designed to influence the government or international governmental organisation or to intimidate the public or a section of the public, and
• the use or threat is made for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause.

If you have any information about anyone you believe to be involved in terrorism activity then contact your local police force or the Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.