The National Assembly discusses the draft Law on Counter-Terrorism.

Continuing the agenda of the Fifth Session of the 13th National Assembly, on the morning of May 21st, National Assembly deputies discussed in the plenary hall several issues with differing opinions in the draft Law on Counter-Terrorism.

Soldiers of the 113th Special Forces Unit conduct counter-terrorism and hostage rescue exercises in a vehicle. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

The delegates agreed on the necessity of enacting a Law on Counter-Terrorism; they also endorsed the explanatory report on the amendments and revisions to the draft Law and considered that the draft Law had been seriously refined based on the contributions of National Assembly delegates. The delegates requested clarification and additions to several important issues related to the articles and clauses of the draft Law on Counter-Terrorism.

Discussing the concept of "terrorism," delegates Nguyen Van Minh (Bac Kan province), Nguyen Cong Hong (Dong Nai province), Nguyen Minh Kha (Can Tho city), Nguyen Thai Hoc (Phu Yen province), Pham Hong Huong (Hai Duong province), etc., agreed with the definition in the draft law. However, they suggested that the definition of "terrorism" needs to be broader to ensure comprehensiveness.

Regarding the definition of "financing terrorism," some National Assembly deputies suggested that Clause 2 (Article 3) of the draft Law needs to be redesigned to be easier to understand and identify; and that other forms of support should be added, such as moral support, experience, tools, means, or other material support for terrorist organizations and individuals.

Regarding the policy on counter-terrorism (Article 4), many National Assembly deputies proposed adding: a policy to encourage agencies, organizations, and individuals to participate in counter-terrorism; a policy for those who detect terrorist acts and their relatives; a policy to protect relatives of those participating in counter-terrorism when there is reason to believe that those people are threatened with retaliation; and a policy of rewarding those who provide information about terrorism.

Regarding the responsibilities and powers of the counter-terrorism commander (Article 14), representatives Nguyen Van Minh (Bac Kan province) and Nguyen Anh Son (Nam Dinh province) agreed with the draft law but suggested clarifying the authority of each level to ensure the law's feasibility. Several National Assembly representatives also argued that, until a commander is appointed, the head of the relevant agency should be the commander, and for provincial-level agencies, the Chief of Police should be the commander.

Regarding the Steering Committee for Counter-Terrorism (Article 9), National Assembly delegate Nguyen Anh Son (Nam Dinh province) and several other delegates argued that the establishment of regularly operating Steering Committees for Counter-Terrorism is necessary, rather than only being formed when incidents occur. However, they suggested adding provincial-level committees and establishing a permanent role for the Provincial Police.

Regarding the responsibilities of state agencies in counter-terrorism (Chapter VII), many delegates suggested clarifying the role of the military in counter-terrorism, as the regulations in the draft are still general and incomplete, especially the functions of border guards. In addition, the responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance, Customs, and other relevant ministries and agencies in coordinating counter-terrorism efforts need to be clarified.

Commenting on international cooperation in counter-terrorism (Chapter VI), delegate Tran Dinh Nha (Thua Thien Hue province) and several other delegates agreed with the provisions in the draft Law but stressed the need for stricter regulations to ensure flexibility.

During the morning session, National Assembly delegates spent considerable time discussing issues such as: counter-terrorism measures (Article 29); handling assets related to terrorist financing and investigating and prosecuting terrorism and terrorist financing (Articles 32, 38, and 39)... National Assembly delegates also offered suggestions on the structure of the chapters and the technical aspects of the draft law.

Concluding the working session, on behalf of the Presidium, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Huynh Ngoc Son stated: Based on the opinions expressed during the discussion, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly will direct the drafting agency and relevant agencies to continue researching and incorporating the opinions of National Assembly deputies to finalize the draft Law; and will submit it to the National Assembly for approval according to the program at this session.

Also at this working session, on behalf of the Prime Minister, Minister of Public Security Tran Dai Quang presented the draft Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting. Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defense and Security Nguyen Kim Khoa presented the verification report on the draft Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of this Law.

According to (VNA) - LT