Neil Basu argues that individuals like Axel Rudakabana, convicted of murder and terror-related charges, are not terrorists and that labelling them as such could be counterproductive. He emphasizes the complexities of online radicalisation and the need for a nuanced approach to counter-terrorism.
The former Counter Terrorism Police Chief of the Metropolitan Police, Neil Basu, has expressed his belief that individuals like Axel Rudakabana, the Southport killer, are not terrorists despite their actions. Rudakabana, now 18, pleaded guilty to three counts of murder, 10 of attempted murder, and two terror-related charges. Mr.
Basu, speaking on Tonight with Andrew Marr on LBC, emphasized that while the UK possesses robust terrorism legislation, labelling individuals like Rudakabana as terrorists could inadvertently provide them with the notoriety they seek. He argued that such acts are not politically motivated, which is a key characteristic of terrorism. Instead, he characterized them as stemming from a mix of violent ideologies or even personal motivations, often driven by a desire for infamy. Mr. Basu acknowledged the growing trend of lone-wolf attacks, which pose a significant challenge to counter-terrorism efforts. He highlighted the difficulties faced by law enforcement agencies in identifying and preventing attacks originating from online radicalization, emphasizing the vast number of individuals who harbor violent intentions without belonging to organized terrorist groups. He cautioned against diverting the national security apparatus to monitor every individual with violent thoughts, as this could create insurmountable logistical challenges.Furthermore, Mr. Basu stressed the importance of using the term 'terrorism' judiciously, as its emotive connotations can evoke fear and escalate public anxiety. He emphasized that labelling individuals as terrorists solely based on their actions, even if they resemble terrorist methodology, can be misleading and ultimately counterproductive. He pointed to the Incel movement, which promotes violence against women and girls, as an example of a group whose ideology, while potentially dangerous, does not necessarily constitute terrorism. While acknowledging the need for vigilance and a thorough investigation into Rudakabana's motivations, Mr. Basu expressed confidence that the existing legal framework is sufficient to address the threat posed by such individuals. He reiterated the importance of avoiding hasty generalizations and ensuring that the term 'terrorism' is applied only when appropriate
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