Why we might regret calling for far-right rioters to be prosecuted as terrorists

By Alan Greene, Reader in Constitutional Law and Human Rights, University of Birmingham

As police begin to arrest and prosecute those involved in the far-right, racist, Islamophobic riots that have shaken the UK, some are calling for them to face terrorism charges.

Essentially, terrorism is illegitimate political violence. And riots are, by definition, violent. It is also clear that these riots are politically motivated. So should they be prosecuted as terrorism? Doing so could send a strong message of condemnation about fascism, but prosecuting people for terrorism is complex. And it isn’t always the best option.

At the outset, it’s important to note there…

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