Germany battles internet terrorism
Germany's foreign minister has called for international efforts to eradicate "virtual hiding places" for terrorists who use the internet to plan attacks.
Speaking at a UN Security Council debate on terrorism Friday, Foreign Minister
Guido Westerwelle said, "The internet is increasingly abused by terrorist
groups for incitement and recruitment."
He highlighted a case in Germany where an extremist group had used the
internet "unnoticed for many years" to "plan vicious attacks and recruit
supporters."
The minister was referring to a neo-Nazi cell blamed for the killings of eight men of Turkish origin, one Greek national and a policewoman, which was uncovered in Germany last year.
"In response, we need to reduce virtual hiding places for terrorists and we
need to counter incitement," Westerwelle said. "Identifying effective measures whilst ensuring full respect for fundamental freedoms is a challenge for all of us."
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the Security Council to approve the
creation of a UN anti-terrorism coordinator, a call that was backed by the
United States, Britain, France, India and others on the 15-nation body.
The council also agreed to a statement at the end of the debate highlighting
concern at the "increase" in kidnapping for ransom by terrorist groups to
raise funds or gain political concessions.
The council also expressed fears about growing links "between terrorism and transnational organized crime."
AFP/mbw
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Speaking at a UN Security Council debate on terrorism Friday, Foreign Minister
Guido Westerwelle said, "The internet is increasingly abused by terrorist
groups for incitement and recruitment."
He highlighted a case in Germany where an extremist group had used the
internet "unnoticed for many years" to "plan vicious attacks and recruit
supporters."
The minister was referring to a neo-Nazi cell blamed for the killings of eight men of Turkish origin, one Greek national and a policewoman, which was uncovered in Germany last year.
"In response, we need to reduce virtual hiding places for terrorists and we
need to counter incitement," Westerwelle said. "Identifying effective measures whilst ensuring full respect for fundamental freedoms is a challenge for all of us."
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the Security Council to approve the
creation of a UN anti-terrorism coordinator, a call that was backed by the
United States, Britain, France, India and others on the 15-nation body.
The council also agreed to a statement at the end of the debate highlighting
concern at the "increase" in kidnapping for ransom by terrorist groups to
raise funds or gain political concessions.
The council also expressed fears about growing links "between terrorism and transnational organized crime."
AFP/mbw
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