Terrorism
Terrorism & National / International Security Barristers
Libertas barristers have formidable experience in terrorism law.
We advise and represent clients at all stages of terrorism cases, including in relation to approaches by security services, stop and search, pre-charge detention hearings.
We have defended terrorism trials and appeals in the UK and overseas and have experience with alleged or associated terrorism-related issues which arise in international courts and tribunals.
Our Expertise With Terrorism Law
Members of Libertas Chambers have experience in complex cases where terrorism law is applicable in national and transnational contexts and where allegations involve a range of alleged political, religious or ideological causes.
We have particular expertise in the financial aspects of terrorism matters, including sanctions and freezing orders and anti-money laundering / counter-terrorism financial orders under a range of legislative measures. These can often be contested, and members of Libertas Chambers are experienced in the challenges that necessarily arise when the imposition of these and similar orders is sought in the context of terrorism.
Dr Felicity Gerry KC led the intervention for JUSTICE in the UK Supreme Court in the Shamima Begum appeals: (R (on the application of Begum) (Appellant) v Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Respondent) R (on the application of Begum) (Respondent) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (Appellant) Begum (Respondent) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (Appellant) [2021] UKSC 7).
Felicity appeared in the Federation Square bomb plot in Melbourne Supreme Court and other trials involving alleged Islamic and Far Right ideological terrorist offending. Felicity is particularly interested in how counter-terrorism measures affect women and girls. She also teaches Sanctions Law, Terrorism Law and Modern Slavery Law at Deakin University.
Gerry Hillman and Sarah Day appeared at trial, re-trial and then successfully in Court of Appeal in the case of R vs Connor Scothern ([2020] EWCA Crim 1540), where issues included alleged membership of a proscribed organisation.
Our members also have specialist experience in the overlap between terrorism law and modern slavery / human trafficking issues. Gerry Hilman represented a young female defendant against whom charges were discontinued once her trafficked status was known.
Why Should I Use Libertas Chambers For Legal Advice On Terrorism Offences?
Our Kings Counsel frequently lead in complex terrorism cases, including long terrorism trials where particular expertise is needed in the use of technology and data analysis in this context as well as the complexities of the legal issues that can arise.
Our cases have involved analysis and advice on terrorism and extremist legislation, including relating to the repatriation of citizens in Syrian camps, the taking of a child to Syria and trials labelled ‘domestic extremism’.
Specifically, members have represented defendants charged with various offences, such as:
- Terrorist acts
- Preparation and Encouragement of Terrorism
- Finance and Money Laundering in relation to Terrorism acts
- Possessing, Collecting and Disseminating Terrorist literature and information
Our members are experienced in assessing evidence and legal issues in large-scale investigations, which, in terrorism matters, will frequently include exhaustive enquiries into a defendant’s financial records, as well as ‘mindset’ evaluations and association evidence.
The demands on those representing defendants charged with terrorist offences are well understood and managed carefully by members of the chambers.