Safeguarding Human Rights of the Accused in Counter-Terrorism Measures: Reconciling National Security with Civil Liberties

Following the events of September 11, 2001, the international community has confronted the emergence of a novel paradigm known as the "Global War on Terrorism." This framework has disrupted the equilibrium between human rights and national security, resulting in significant ramifications: it has not only compromised the fundamental rights of citizens but also adversely affected the basic rights of individuals suspected or accused of terrorist offenses. Governments engaged in counter-terrorism efforts bear the responsibility of maintaining a delicate balance between effective law enforcement and the safeguarding of civil liberties. While the existence of terrorism as a formidable threat is widely acknowledged, the protection of human rights - particularly the rights of the accused in anti-terrorism operations - remains paramount. There exists a consensus that, in the pursuit of counter-terrorism, all lawful means should be employed to prevent such crimes, with efforts to neutralize threats supporting the tenets of human rights. However, the central issue pertains to the precision and legality of these measures. This study aims to examine the challenges inherent in reconciling the respect for and protection of human rights with the imperative to combat terrorism, with a specific focus on the rights of the accused. The findings indicate that responses to terrorism must uphold the rule of law; neglecting human rights in the fight against terrorism risks creating an environment conducive to the proliferation of terrorism.