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	Special report: freedom of information

Europe on terror alert

Wednesday September 19, 2001

How the terrorist attack on the US has impacted on European domestic security policies

Britain

Within hours of the attacks, British ministers began considering measures to curtail civil liberties in the name of national security as Tony Blair ordered a full-scale review of anti-terrorism laws.

The most dramatic proposal is the introduction of identity cards. David Blunkett, the home secretary, is looking at a voluntary "citizen's access card", which he said would make it difficult for someone who did not have one - be it a terrorist or an illegal immigrant - to stay in Britain undetected.

New laws to prevent money laundering across national boundaries are also a priority.

The government's campaign for a new EU-wide law to force internet service providers and telephone companies to keep all phone, fax, email and internet records for an indefinite period in case they are needed for criminal investigations will be strengthened. Last week, the national high-tech crime unit requested all internet service providers and telecommunications networks to retain all logs on emails sent and received and numbers and destinations of telephone calls and faxes.

Stuart Millar

France

The country's anti-terrorist security plan, Vigipirate, went into operation the day after last week's attacks, with police on heightened alert around the country and stations, airports and major public buildings under round-the-clock armed guard.

In Paris, 1,000 CRS riot police and 700 soldiers have been called in to reinforce the capital's 3,400 regular police officers. Identity checks have been stepped up and litter bins and bottle banks sealed for fear of bombs.

One consequence was that not a single robbery was reported in Paris last weekend, compared with up to 100 on a normal Saturday.

Jon Henley

Germany

The government is looking into ways of stemming the flow of funds to extremists operating in the country, following revelations that at least seven of the suspects in the US attacks studied in Germany, where they are thought to have taken advantage of generally liberal legislation.

Gerhard Schröder has announced that his cabinet would soon pass measures to outlaw Islamic organisations who abuse their religious status. The law of association gives religious groups a special protected status. The idea of a less rigorous data protection law has also been floated.

John Hooper

Japan

The ruling coalition is discussing a law that would curtail civil liberties and expand the powers of the military in the event of a terrorist or conventional attack.

The rightwing prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi, told his cabinet that a revision of the self-defence law should be considered.

According to domestic media, the changes under consideration would allow the army to build barricades and dig trenches on private land without permission from the owners.

Jonathan Watts

Belgium

It has launched a sweeping crackdown on suspected Islamist fundamentalists and upgraded security measures at airports and key government buildings. The authorities have also clamped down on public demonstrations.

Two militants were arrested in Brussels last Thursday. One was believed to have been planning an attack on the US embassy in Paris.

Andrew Osborn

Spain

National identity cards are compulsory and authorities have advised people to carry them at all times.

Security has been tightened in certain areas, particularly around Alicante where Mohamed Bensakhria, believed to be Osama bin Laden's right hand man, was arrested last summer and extradited to France.

Jane Walker