Terrorism: Denying responsibility on the basis of statelessness

nospam@example.com (Lola Akin Ojelabi) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:09:24 +1100

The recent terrorist attack in Mumbai, India saw many innocent people killed and accusing fingers pointed at Pakistan on the basis that the only terrorist apprehended had a link with Pakistan. US intelligence also claims that former Pakistani military officers trained the terrorists involved. The Pakistani Prime Minister appeared on Larry King Live denying the allegations and claiming that the perpetrators of the terrorist act were stateless actors. By making this claim, the Pakistani Prime Minister avoids taking any responsibility in regard to the attack, either in the form of Pakistan being found to have breached its international obligations, or having to pay compensation to the victims and families of victims of the attack, and being viewed once again by the international community as a terrorist State, a reputation which Pakistan is vehemently fighting against by courting the United States. The denial is a familiar response, as States generally deny any association with terrorists, even when such association is obvious. It also places the burden on the international community to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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Lola Akin Ojelabi - La Trobe Law Forum

Terrorism: Denying responsibility on the basis of statelessness