Thank you for contacting me about proscription and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
While it is Government policy not to comment on whether or not a group is under consideration for proscription or not, I thought it may be helpful to set out the legal basis on which proscription decisions are made.
Legislation allows for a group to be proscribed in the UK only if the Secretary of State believes it is currently concerned in terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Act 2000. This means an organisation can only be proscribed if it commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, promotes or encourages terrorism (including the unlawful glorification of terrorism) or is otherwise concerned in terrorism.
Proscription sends a strong message that terrorist organisations are not tolerated in the UK and deters them from operating here. It is a criminal offence to be a member or supporter of the organisation, with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. It is also a criminal offence for a person to display or publish an article or item of clothing in such a way or in such circumstances to arouse a reasonable suspicion that they are a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation. This could lead to up to six months in prison, and/or a £5,000 fine.
Organisations which cause concern are kept under continuous review. As and when new material comes to light it is considered and the organisation reassessed as part of that process. The investigation and prosecution of proscription offences is a matter for the police and Crown Prosecution Service. I would, however, be happy to pass on your concerns about the IRGC to my ministerial colleagues.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
No comments:
Post a Comment