First global Counter Terrorism Prosecutors Network launched
2015-09-30
Pretoria, South Africa – In a first for prosecutors worldwide, the Counter Terrorism Prosecutors Network (CTPN) was launched on 14 September. Terrorism is a global problem that requires a globalised 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 provides avenues for collaboration between states in the prosecution of terrorism cases Tweet this
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
- 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 organisations:
- Andre Vandoren, Deputy Prosecutor General, Belgium
- Anton du Plessis, Managing Director, ISS
- David Scharia, Senior Legal Officer and Coordinator of the Legal and Criminal Justice Group, CTED
- Michèle Coninsx, President, Eurojust
- Rasmus H Wandall, General Counsel, IAP
- Shaun K Abrahams, National Director of Public Prosecutions, South Africa
For media inquiries contact:
Allan Ngari, CTPN Coordinator: +27 72 258 2897, [email protected].