Greece has become the main entry point for illegal migration into Europe as border security has shifted away from Spain, Italy, and Libya towards Greece. In 2008, around 50% of illegal crossings occurred in Greece, but today that number has risen to nearly 90%. Most crossings occur daily near the Greek city of Orestiada, where an estimated 350 migrants from countries like Algeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Iraq try to cross the Turkish-Greek land border. In response, the EU border agency Frontex has sent 175 specialized guards to Greece for two months, and this has already led to a 43.7% reduction in intercepted migrants at the Greek-Turkish border in November compared to October.
Geert Laporte, ECDPM
Seminar on Security policies in West Africa National Defence Academy, Institute for Peace Support and Conflict Management, Vienna, 18-19 April 2013
The French authorities have concluded that Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a 27-year-old Belgian man who has fought inSyria for the Islamic State, was the mastermind of the Paris terrorist attacks
This document provides contact information for Roxxor International, a company based in The Netherlands that distributes products exclusively in Europe. Roxxor International can be contacted via email at info@roxxor-international.com and their website is www.roxxor-international.com. They can also be reached by phone at +31 592 248128.
Our early December 2015 assessment of the Paris attacks by ISIS:
"The ability for ISIS to effectively deliver its agenda of terror and to affect an ever evolving threat on an increasingly global scale has been clearly demonstrated through the Paris attacks of November 2015 ... As shown with the Paris attacks the absence of coherent and rooted answers to core security questions, such as how did they perform such a complex attack? why and how was this achieved? will they strike again? how underprepared are the security services in Europe? is this the beginning of an orchestrated campaign? etc… have been as near shocking as the events themselves."
Country Specific Information Northern IrelandKarol Castaneda
The document provides country-specific travel information for U.S. citizens visiting the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. It lists quick facts about the U.S. embassies and consulates in London, Edinburgh, and Belfast. It also outlines entry and visa requirements, safety and security considerations, and local laws and circumstances travelers should be aware of. The phone number for emergency services is 999 in the UK and 112 in Gibraltar. Travelers are subject to local laws and could face legal penalties, arrest, or imprisonment for violations.
Greece has become the main entry point for illegal migration into Europe as border security has shifted away from Spain, Italy, and Libya towards Greece. In 2008, around 50% of illegal crossings occurred in Greece, but today that number has risen to nearly 90%. Most crossings occur daily near the Greek city of Orestiada, where an estimated 350 migrants from countries like Algeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Iraq try to cross the Turkish-Greek land border. In response, the EU border agency Frontex has sent 175 specialized guards to Greece for two months, and this has already led to a 43.7% reduction in intercepted migrants at the Greek-Turkish border in November compared to October.
Geert Laporte, ECDPM
Seminar on Security policies in West Africa National Defence Academy, Institute for Peace Support and Conflict Management, Vienna, 18-19 April 2013
The French authorities have concluded that Abdelhamid Abaaoud, a 27-year-old Belgian man who has fought inSyria for the Islamic State, was the mastermind of the Paris terrorist attacks
This document provides contact information for Roxxor International, a company based in The Netherlands that distributes products exclusively in Europe. Roxxor International can be contacted via email at info@roxxor-international.com and their website is www.roxxor-international.com. They can also be reached by phone at +31 592 248128.
Our early December 2015 assessment of the Paris attacks by ISIS:
"The ability for ISIS to effectively deliver its agenda of terror and to affect an ever evolving threat on an increasingly global scale has been clearly demonstrated through the Paris attacks of November 2015 ... As shown with the Paris attacks the absence of coherent and rooted answers to core security questions, such as how did they perform such a complex attack? why and how was this achieved? will they strike again? how underprepared are the security services in Europe? is this the beginning of an orchestrated campaign? etc… have been as near shocking as the events themselves."
Country Specific Information Northern IrelandKarol Castaneda
The document provides country-specific travel information for U.S. citizens visiting the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. It lists quick facts about the U.S. embassies and consulates in London, Edinburgh, and Belfast. It also outlines entry and visa requirements, safety and security considerations, and local laws and circumstances travelers should be aware of. The phone number for emergency services is 999 in the UK and 112 in Gibraltar. Travelers are subject to local laws and could face legal penalties, arrest, or imprisonment for violations.
International Criminal Justice.
Looking at current issues regarding genocide, in particular, the case of Pascal Simbikangwa in Paris over his involvement in the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
I gave this presentation in an early International Criminal Justice seminar and the trial was in its early stages (second week of the trial). The trial has now reached a verdict with Pascal Simbikangwa being found guilty by the French court for his part in the 1994 Rwandan genocide and he has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
[3 December, 2015] ISS Risk Special Report on the Paris Attacks by ISIS, November 2015.
The ability for ISIS to effectively deliver its agenda of terror and to affect an ever evolving threat on an incrreasingly global scale has been clearly demonstrated through the Paris attacks of November 2015. Intelligent Security Solutions (ISS Risk) has for some time focused on the threat presented by ISIS (and other Islamic extremist groups) to various sovereign and commercial concerns across Eurasia, with a specific focus on not only ISIS‟ motivations and actions to date, but more importantly a focus on how the threat is being shaped and how it will be driven and manifested in the coming 12-18 months.
This document summarizes what is known about the perpetrators of the November 2015 Paris attacks based on an intelligence report. At least 25 individuals from France, Belgium, Germany and Syria were involved in planning and executing the highly coordinated multi-site attacks that killed 132 people. Many of the identified attackers had traveled to Syria for military training with ISIS and then entered Europe as refugees, exploiting weaknesses in border security. The attacks required significant planning and manpower, involving suicide bombings and shootings across Paris. Ongoing investigations continue to reveal new suspects and accomplices who helped facilitate the attacks.
The terrorist attack in Paris displayed elements both familiar and novel. The attackers, two French-born brothers of North African descent with criminal histories, carried out the attack in a professional manner, shooting 12 people dead at the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. While past lone wolf attacks in France and other countries involved smaller scales and were seeking attention, this attack was larger in scale and deadlier, displaying the professionalism of a terrorist network while still being carried out autonomously. The attack raises concerns that lone wolf terrorism may become increasingly sophisticated and effective if inspired by groups like al-Qaeda.
「我是查理」的「新聞自由」與法西斯主義的表裡 Charlie Hebdo’s Press Freedom and the Resurgence of Fa...Shih-Yu Chou
This document analyzes Charlie Hebdo's stance on freedom of press and fascism from a Marxist perspective. It argues that Charlie Hebdo is not truly left-leaning and supports French imperialism and NATO militarism. It claims Charlie Hebdo publishes racist caricatures of Muslims that breed Islamophobia, similarly to how antisemitic caricatures of Jews were used in the past in France. It also criticizes the inclusion of the far-right neo-fascist party FN in the unity displayed after the Charlie Hebdo attack, seeing it as a rise of fascism in France.
Ingvar Flink argues in a newspaper article that Sweden should recognize Western Sahara, claiming employees in Sweden's foreign department are delaying recognition due to Moroccan influence. However, the article fails to acknowledge positive developments in Morocco, including democratic reforms, improvements in human rights, and cooperation against terrorism. It also does not mention Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara or allegations of corruption related to refugee camps. Considering Morocco's changes in the last 20 years, Flink's argument does not provide essential context.
Ingvar Flink argues in a newspaper article that Sweden should recognize Western Sahara, claiming employees in Sweden's foreign department are delaying recognition due to Moroccan influence. However, the article fails to acknowledge positive developments in Morocco, including democratic reforms, improvements in human rights, and cooperation against terrorism. It also does not mention Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara or allegations of corruption related to refugee camps. Considering Morocco's changes in the last 20 years, Flink's argument does not fully account for the current context regarding this issue.
The document discusses terrorism in Tunisia based on a study of 1,000 incarcerated jihadi terrorists. It finds that 40% had a university degree and 75% were under age 40. It also discusses the number of Tunisians fighting abroad, estimated at 4,000 in Syria, 1,000-1,500 in Libya, and smaller numbers in other countries. The motivations of foreign fighters are said to range from ideological to economic factors to a need for belonging. The document also addresses the roles of women in terrorist organizations and estimates of foreign fighters from different regions. It advocates education and open communication as ways to prevent extremism and terrorism.
In 2017, there were 33 terrorist attacks in Europe that resulted in 62 deaths and 819 injuries. The majority of attacks (10) were completed, while 12 failed and 11 were foiled, mostly in France and the UK. A total of 705 people were arrested on suspicion of involvement in jihadist terrorist activities across 18 EU countries. Increased cooperation between EU countries, such as sharing intelligence, has helped prevent additional attacks and limit the impact of those that do occur. However, vigilance remains important as individuals arrested for connections to foreign fighting may be released and radicalized individuals carrying out homegrown attacks remain a threat.
The document discusses the refugee and terrorism crisis facing the European Union. It describes how over a million refugees fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Libya have overwhelmed EU countries. The influx has altered Europeans' views on free movement, Muslims, and providing safe haven. It also examines how the crisis has been linked to terrorist attacks in Europe and the sexual assaults in Cologne on New Year's Eve 2015, which heightened fears and polarized politics. Right-wing populism has gained traction in response. The crisis presents dangers to European politics, culture and security that policymakers must work to mitigate.
A year after je suis charlie, a divided France strugglesKyleMahoney
France remains deeply divided one year after the Charlie Hebdo and November 2015 terrorist attacks. Politicians are embroiled in bitter debates over security policies that exacerbate tensions, while the anti-immigration National Front party gains strength. The country faces social, economic, and identity divisions between its urban, rural, and suburban populations. The 2017 presidential election will likely focus on addressing questions over French national identity and improving social cohesion.
The refugee crisis: why we need to speak about corruption?MYO AUNG Myanmar
http://www.transparency.org/news/feature/the_refugee_crisis_why_we_need_to_speak_about_corruption
The refugee crisis: why we need to speak about corruption
Instability, corruption and a lack of good governance is a major cause of why people choose to risk everything and travel to Europe in many countries across the world. Therefore, aid and development policies must address these issues in the long term. If we want to ensure that this crisis never happens again, tackling corruption must be counted among the policy solutions.
All these efforts require international cooperation. The international community should look into the best ways to limit the access of corrupt and criminal smuggling groups to vulnerable refugees. There are several ways that this cooperation can take place, such as information gathering and data sharing across borders.
This document provides an overview of terrorism trends in the European Union in 2017. It finds that the main terrorist threat comes from jihadist terrorism, including both directed attacks from groups like ISIS as well as lone actor attacks inspired by their ideology. Such attacks have targeted civilian populations using methods like bombs, firearms, and vehicles to cause mass casualties. The document also notes that the number of foreign terrorist fighters traveling to conflict zones has decreased but the returning fighters may increase the domestic threat. Other trends discussed include the use of social media for radicalization and recruitment, the targeting of soft targets, and the increasing role of women and youth in carrying out attacks. The level of jihadist terrorist activity in the EU remains high according to arrests
The document discusses the Syrian refugee crisis and its impact on Western Europe and the United States. It provides background on how the Syrian civil war began and key events that exacerbated the crisis. Germany has accepted over 800,000 Syrian refugees but struggles with integration. France has pledged to accept 30,000 refugees but the Calais region where migrants attempt to enter England from has become a political flashpoint. Relatively few (under 2,500) Syrian refugees have been resettled in the US due to resistance from many state governments and in Congress. The future of refugee resettlement globally remains uncertain and politically divisive.
Freedom fron Fear October 2008 First Issue. Magazine published by UNICRI and MPIDaniel Dufourt
Freedom fron Fear October 2008 First Issue.
Magazine published by United Nations
Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
and MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE
for Foreign and International Criminal Law
After Charlie and Garissa, addressing the external dimension of global terror...Philippe Darmuzey
This document discusses the need for a new treaty between Africa and Europe to address shared security challenges like terrorism. It notes the "annus horribilis" of 2015, with attacks in both continents like Charlie Hebdo, Garissa University, and the Mediterranean migrant crisis. It argues the current Africa-EU strategic partnership is not adequate given worsening threats. A new treaty could help promote peace as the foundation of relations between the two regions, which will share over 2.5 billion citizens by 2050. It would also help prevent, manage and resolve crises that impact both continents.
Small Wars Journal_Identity and Biometrics Enabled Intelligence (BEI)_MAR_16Victor R. Morris
This document summarizes initiatives to enhance international identity operations and intelligence sharing between law enforcement and military organizations to identify transnational threat actors. It discusses several intergovernmental organizations involved in this effort, including INTERPOL, Europol, NATO, OSCE, and Frontex. The goal is to support threat network analysis and engagement through compliant biometric data sharing once an interoperable framework has been established between these organizations. This will help with identifying threat actors from civilian populations in contexts involving transnational terrorism and political violence.
This article from 2005 summarizes ongoing riots in the Paris suburbs that have similarities to those depicted in the film La Haine from 1995. For over a week, youths from immigrant communities in the suburbs have been clashing with police and setting fire to cars. Tensions rose after three teenagers died from electrocution while hiding from police. The interior minister has taken a harsh stance against the rioters but his approach has been criticized. The riots illustrate that issues of poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and tensions between police and immigrant communities depicted in La Haine remained problems over a decade later.
The document discusses irregular migration and provides definitions and context. It makes the following key points:
- Irregular migration refers to international movement across borders in violation of transit or receiving state laws, though migration itself is a natural and legitimate phenomenon.
- Causes of irregular migration include tightening of entry/residence conditions and closure of borders, which increases demand for smugglers.
- Irregular migration and smuggling migrants are related but distinct - irregular migration is broader while smuggling involves assistance for border crossing in exchange for payment.
- Criminalizing irregular migration may be an extreme approach if it exceeds the goal of defending society or overrides other human values like dignity. For an act to be a crime
This document discusses human trafficking and modern slavery. It provides definitions and statistics on human trafficking globally and within the EU. An estimated 27 million people are living in slavery today, with more slaves now than at any point in history. Human trafficking involves exploiting people through force, fraud or coercion for forced labor, sex work, slavery or removal of organs. It is a serious global problem and criminal enterprise, especially within parts of Asia and Africa. The EU and its member states aim to address trafficking through prevention, protection and prosecution efforts, but these efforts vary in their effectiveness between countries.
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Similar to Mali crisis paving way for militant attacks on France: judge
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International Criminal Justice.
Looking at current issues regarding genocide, in particular, the case of Pascal Simbikangwa in Paris over his involvement in the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
I gave this presentation in an early International Criminal Justice seminar and the trial was in its early stages (second week of the trial). The trial has now reached a verdict with Pascal Simbikangwa being found guilty by the French court for his part in the 1994 Rwandan genocide and he has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
[3 December, 2015] ISS Risk Special Report on the Paris Attacks by ISIS, November 2015.
The ability for ISIS to effectively deliver its agenda of terror and to affect an ever evolving threat on an incrreasingly global scale has been clearly demonstrated through the Paris attacks of November 2015. Intelligent Security Solutions (ISS Risk) has for some time focused on the threat presented by ISIS (and other Islamic extremist groups) to various sovereign and commercial concerns across Eurasia, with a specific focus on not only ISIS‟ motivations and actions to date, but more importantly a focus on how the threat is being shaped and how it will be driven and manifested in the coming 12-18 months.
This document summarizes what is known about the perpetrators of the November 2015 Paris attacks based on an intelligence report. At least 25 individuals from France, Belgium, Germany and Syria were involved in planning and executing the highly coordinated multi-site attacks that killed 132 people. Many of the identified attackers had traveled to Syria for military training with ISIS and then entered Europe as refugees, exploiting weaknesses in border security. The attacks required significant planning and manpower, involving suicide bombings and shootings across Paris. Ongoing investigations continue to reveal new suspects and accomplices who helped facilitate the attacks.
The terrorist attack in Paris displayed elements both familiar and novel. The attackers, two French-born brothers of North African descent with criminal histories, carried out the attack in a professional manner, shooting 12 people dead at the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. While past lone wolf attacks in France and other countries involved smaller scales and were seeking attention, this attack was larger in scale and deadlier, displaying the professionalism of a terrorist network while still being carried out autonomously. The attack raises concerns that lone wolf terrorism may become increasingly sophisticated and effective if inspired by groups like al-Qaeda.
「我是查理」的「新聞自由」與法西斯主義的表裡 Charlie Hebdo’s Press Freedom and the Resurgence of Fa...Shih-Yu Chou
This document analyzes Charlie Hebdo's stance on freedom of press and fascism from a Marxist perspective. It argues that Charlie Hebdo is not truly left-leaning and supports French imperialism and NATO militarism. It claims Charlie Hebdo publishes racist caricatures of Muslims that breed Islamophobia, similarly to how antisemitic caricatures of Jews were used in the past in France. It also criticizes the inclusion of the far-right neo-fascist party FN in the unity displayed after the Charlie Hebdo attack, seeing it as a rise of fascism in France.
Ingvar Flink argues in a newspaper article that Sweden should recognize Western Sahara, claiming employees in Sweden's foreign department are delaying recognition due to Moroccan influence. However, the article fails to acknowledge positive developments in Morocco, including democratic reforms, improvements in human rights, and cooperation against terrorism. It also does not mention Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara or allegations of corruption related to refugee camps. Considering Morocco's changes in the last 20 years, Flink's argument does not provide essential context.
Ingvar Flink argues in a newspaper article that Sweden should recognize Western Sahara, claiming employees in Sweden's foreign department are delaying recognition due to Moroccan influence. However, the article fails to acknowledge positive developments in Morocco, including democratic reforms, improvements in human rights, and cooperation against terrorism. It also does not mention Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara or allegations of corruption related to refugee camps. Considering Morocco's changes in the last 20 years, Flink's argument does not fully account for the current context regarding this issue.
The document discusses terrorism in Tunisia based on a study of 1,000 incarcerated jihadi terrorists. It finds that 40% had a university degree and 75% were under age 40. It also discusses the number of Tunisians fighting abroad, estimated at 4,000 in Syria, 1,000-1,500 in Libya, and smaller numbers in other countries. The motivations of foreign fighters are said to range from ideological to economic factors to a need for belonging. The document also addresses the roles of women in terrorist organizations and estimates of foreign fighters from different regions. It advocates education and open communication as ways to prevent extremism and terrorism.
In 2017, there were 33 terrorist attacks in Europe that resulted in 62 deaths and 819 injuries. The majority of attacks (10) were completed, while 12 failed and 11 were foiled, mostly in France and the UK. A total of 705 people were arrested on suspicion of involvement in jihadist terrorist activities across 18 EU countries. Increased cooperation between EU countries, such as sharing intelligence, has helped prevent additional attacks and limit the impact of those that do occur. However, vigilance remains important as individuals arrested for connections to foreign fighting may be released and radicalized individuals carrying out homegrown attacks remain a threat.
The document discusses the refugee and terrorism crisis facing the European Union. It describes how over a million refugees fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Libya have overwhelmed EU countries. The influx has altered Europeans' views on free movement, Muslims, and providing safe haven. It also examines how the crisis has been linked to terrorist attacks in Europe and the sexual assaults in Cologne on New Year's Eve 2015, which heightened fears and polarized politics. Right-wing populism has gained traction in response. The crisis presents dangers to European politics, culture and security that policymakers must work to mitigate.
A year after je suis charlie, a divided France strugglesKyleMahoney
France remains deeply divided one year after the Charlie Hebdo and November 2015 terrorist attacks. Politicians are embroiled in bitter debates over security policies that exacerbate tensions, while the anti-immigration National Front party gains strength. The country faces social, economic, and identity divisions between its urban, rural, and suburban populations. The 2017 presidential election will likely focus on addressing questions over French national identity and improving social cohesion.
The refugee crisis: why we need to speak about corruption?MYO AUNG Myanmar
http://www.transparency.org/news/feature/the_refugee_crisis_why_we_need_to_speak_about_corruption
The refugee crisis: why we need to speak about corruption
Instability, corruption and a lack of good governance is a major cause of why people choose to risk everything and travel to Europe in many countries across the world. Therefore, aid and development policies must address these issues in the long term. If we want to ensure that this crisis never happens again, tackling corruption must be counted among the policy solutions.
All these efforts require international cooperation. The international community should look into the best ways to limit the access of corrupt and criminal smuggling groups to vulnerable refugees. There are several ways that this cooperation can take place, such as information gathering and data sharing across borders.
This document provides an overview of terrorism trends in the European Union in 2017. It finds that the main terrorist threat comes from jihadist terrorism, including both directed attacks from groups like ISIS as well as lone actor attacks inspired by their ideology. Such attacks have targeted civilian populations using methods like bombs, firearms, and vehicles to cause mass casualties. The document also notes that the number of foreign terrorist fighters traveling to conflict zones has decreased but the returning fighters may increase the domestic threat. Other trends discussed include the use of social media for radicalization and recruitment, the targeting of soft targets, and the increasing role of women and youth in carrying out attacks. The level of jihadist terrorist activity in the EU remains high according to arrests
The document discusses the Syrian refugee crisis and its impact on Western Europe and the United States. It provides background on how the Syrian civil war began and key events that exacerbated the crisis. Germany has accepted over 800,000 Syrian refugees but struggles with integration. France has pledged to accept 30,000 refugees but the Calais region where migrants attempt to enter England from has become a political flashpoint. Relatively few (under 2,500) Syrian refugees have been resettled in the US due to resistance from many state governments and in Congress. The future of refugee resettlement globally remains uncertain and politically divisive.
Freedom fron Fear October 2008 First Issue. Magazine published by UNICRI and MPIDaniel Dufourt
Freedom fron Fear October 2008 First Issue.
Magazine published by United Nations
Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
and MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE
for Foreign and International Criminal Law
After Charlie and Garissa, addressing the external dimension of global terror...Philippe Darmuzey
This document discusses the need for a new treaty between Africa and Europe to address shared security challenges like terrorism. It notes the "annus horribilis" of 2015, with attacks in both continents like Charlie Hebdo, Garissa University, and the Mediterranean migrant crisis. It argues the current Africa-EU strategic partnership is not adequate given worsening threats. A new treaty could help promote peace as the foundation of relations between the two regions, which will share over 2.5 billion citizens by 2050. It would also help prevent, manage and resolve crises that impact both continents.
Small Wars Journal_Identity and Biometrics Enabled Intelligence (BEI)_MAR_16Victor R. Morris
This document summarizes initiatives to enhance international identity operations and intelligence sharing between law enforcement and military organizations to identify transnational threat actors. It discusses several intergovernmental organizations involved in this effort, including INTERPOL, Europol, NATO, OSCE, and Frontex. The goal is to support threat network analysis and engagement through compliant biometric data sharing once an interoperable framework has been established between these organizations. This will help with identifying threat actors from civilian populations in contexts involving transnational terrorism and political violence.
This article from 2005 summarizes ongoing riots in the Paris suburbs that have similarities to those depicted in the film La Haine from 1995. For over a week, youths from immigrant communities in the suburbs have been clashing with police and setting fire to cars. Tensions rose after three teenagers died from electrocution while hiding from police. The interior minister has taken a harsh stance against the rioters but his approach has been criticized. The riots illustrate that issues of poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and tensions between police and immigrant communities depicted in La Haine remained problems over a decade later.
The document discusses irregular migration and provides definitions and context. It makes the following key points:
- Irregular migration refers to international movement across borders in violation of transit or receiving state laws, though migration itself is a natural and legitimate phenomenon.
- Causes of irregular migration include tightening of entry/residence conditions and closure of borders, which increases demand for smugglers.
- Irregular migration and smuggling migrants are related but distinct - irregular migration is broader while smuggling involves assistance for border crossing in exchange for payment.
- Criminalizing irregular migration may be an extreme approach if it exceeds the goal of defending society or overrides other human values like dignity. For an act to be a crime
This document discusses human trafficking and modern slavery. It provides definitions and statistics on human trafficking globally and within the EU. An estimated 27 million people are living in slavery today, with more slaves now than at any point in history. Human trafficking involves exploiting people through force, fraud or coercion for forced labor, sex work, slavery or removal of organs. It is a serious global problem and criminal enterprise, especially within parts of Asia and Africa. The EU and its member states aim to address trafficking through prevention, protection and prosecution efforts, but these efforts vary in their effectiveness between countries.
Similar to Mali crisis paving way for militant attacks on France: judge
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Public Service Announcement: Human Trafficking - The Modern Day Slavery
Mali crisis paving way for militant attacks on France: judge
| Reuters
1. Mali crisis paving way for militant attacks on France: judge |
Reuters
PARIS The insurgency that has seized the north of Mali is paving the way for attacks on France as
more French Muslims of African origin are finding a cause in the conflict, Paris's top anti-terrorism
judge warned on Sunday.
As Mali's former colonial ruler, France fears al
Qaeda's north African arm, AQIM, is cementing a
base in the West African state that would provide
a launch pad against French political and
economic interests at home and abroad.
"We have a very large Malian community in
France, but also from sub-Saharan Africa as a
whole," Marc Trevedic said in a rare interview
with weekly newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche.
"These 'black' French Muslims who were
suffering from latent racism from 'Arabs' have for
the first time found their jihad."
Diplomatic sources have said a handful of French
nationals had travelled to the Sahel region to
train for Islamic jihad, or holy struggle. Trevedic said four investigations were open on what he
called Malian "terrorist" cells.
"They are young, often dual nationals or who have links with sub-Saharan Africa," he said. "They get
in either through Niger or Algeria, but many are Malians who can go and visit their families and
don't need visas."
France has been a vocal supporter of plans for an international operation to try to wrest back
northern Mali from Islamist insurgents, who hold eight French hostages in the area.
In December, the U.N. Security Council authorized a French-drafted resolution to deploy an African-
led force to retrain Mali's defeated army and support an anti-insurgent mission, although no ground
operations are expected until later in 2013.
"All the ingredients exist so that there are repercussions on our soil," the judge said. "France is
backing those that want to intervene militarily in Timbuktu. So we are the enemy and are identified
as such."
TERRORISM HERE TO STAY
Despite past differences with Washington and London over Middle East policy, France has long been
a target for Islamist militants because of its colonial record in North Africa and problems integrating
its large Muslim minority.
2. Numbering five million, France's Muslim community is the biggest in the 27-member European
Union but many are marginalized with poor job prospects in grim, violence-ridden suburbs and
housing estates.
But until Mohamed Merah, a young al Qaeda-inspired gunman, killed seven people including three
Jewish children in southwestern France last March, France had not suffered a major attack since
1995 when the Algerian Armed Islamic Group killed eight people and wounded dozens bombing a
Paris metro station.
Trevedic said the French had to get used to the idea that terrorism was here to stay and could not be
eradicated.
"We will have to accept this reality without deluding ourselves. It means we have to accept that
attacks will succeed and there will be deaths."
France's success at dodging attacks is in large part due to its water-tight security apparatus and
legal infrastructure.
The Direction Centrale du Renseignement Interieur (DCRI) was set up almost a century ago with a
loose and secretive mandate to track radical groups that could harm the state. It now works hand in
hand with the DGSE foreign intelligence service.
This security layer is backed up by some of Europe's toughest anti-terror laws.
French investigating magistrates have far-reaching powers and can approve search warrants or
order wiretaps. People can also be arrested under broad "suspicion of conspiring in relation to
terrorism" legislation, enabling authorities to hold and question a person over even minor concerns.
(Reporting By John Irish; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/06/us-mali-crisis-france-idUSBRE90507C20130106