Sir, - Is there any real evidence that the enactment of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 is necessary? Given the success of the Garda and other security forces in tracking down explosives before detonation earlier this summer and the intimidating anti-terrorism powers already in law, the claimed need for this legislation seems spurious. I support the analysis and conclusions in Vincent Browne's column (Opinion, September 2nd) in their entirety. The potential harm to innocents which may result from guilt by association in Section 4 is frightening. Are colleges and libraries which may harbour information useful in bomb-making at risk under Sections 7 and 8? Where does that leave Internet providers should such information be contained in a website?
I share the concern of Amnesty International with regard to the provision of safeguards to prevent ill-treatment of those held in police custody. Expecting gardai to behave angelically is disingenuous and not insisting on proper safeguards ultimately undermines public respect for the justice system. Human rights for all must be respected; otherwise the fascists win. - Yours, etc., Bill Tormey,
Glasnevin Avenue,
Dublin 11.