First global Counter Terrorism Prosecutors Network launched

 

The Counter Terrorism Prosecutors Network was launched in Zurich, Switzerland.

In a first for prosecutors worldwide, a Counter Terrorism Prosecutors Network (CTPN) was launched on 14 September 2015. Terrorism is a global problem that requires a globalized response, including through cooperation between States and their criminal justice agencies.

“CTPN will help combat terrorism by providing avenues for collaboration between States in the prosecution of terrorism cases,” said André Vandoren, CTPN board member and Deputy Prosecutor General of Belgium.

A virtual network of prosecutors working on terrorism cases, CTPN provides a valuable forum in which prosecutors from around the world can exchange experiences and identify common challenges and how to address them.

“Eurojust is committed to providing the support to CTPN necessary for the network to share best practices in dealing with the effective prosecution of terrorism cases,” said Michèle Coninsx, CTPN board member and President of Eurojust.

The network was launched at the 20th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) in Zurich, Switzerland. It has been established under the auspices of the IAP in partnership with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

CTPN provides IAP members with direct access to a number of useful tools:

  • A contacts database of fellow terrorism prosecutors from around the world;
  • A discussion board and individual database accessible through a secure online platform for the exchange of queries and advice;
  • A database of counter-terrorism training courses and presentations;
  • A resource-base and collection of counter-terrorism material; and
  • Opportunities for exchange of tools to counter and detect terrorism.

The network is an ideal vehicle to explore new ways to manage the increasing complexity of counter-terrorism prosecutions. Good practices identified by CTED in its assessment missions will be shared through the network. It will serve as a conduit for delivering technical assistance and capacity building for investigators, prosecutors, and judicial authorities at the national level. CTPN will also promote the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001)1624 (2005), and 2178 (2014).

CTPN is managed by a Board of renowned experienced terrorism prosecutors and practitioners from different countries, and international and regional organizations, including the Office of the Deputy Prosecutor General, Belgium; CTED; Eurojust; IAP; ISS; and the Office of Public Prosecutions, South Africa.

For additional information, please follow the links below:

For additional information, please follow the links below:
The Institute for Security Studies www.issafrica.org
The International Association of Prosecutors www.iap-association.org