The debate over the proposed Special Operations Bill continued on TTT’s Focus People and Politics programme this morning.
Political scientist and constitutional scholar Professor Hamid Ghany says the legislation should be understood as a targeted response to areas experiencing serious criminal activity, rather than as a measure applying broadly across the country.
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Professor Hamid Ghany says the proposed Special Operations Bill is focused on what he describes as “pockets” of criminal activity, with specific powers being applied to targeted areas.
Speaking on TTT’s Focus People and Politics, Ghany also addressed concerns about a potential police state and explained some of the constitutional issues surrounding the legislation.
Professor Ghany says the term “police state” has been used in political debate for decades, but argues that the proposed framework does not represent the broad exercise of police powers associated with such a system.
He says existing legislation already gives police certain powers, including the ability to conduct searches without a warrant in specified circumstances.
Another issue raised in Parliament is whether the bill should have been passed with a certificate requiring a three-fifths majority.
Ghany explained that such a certificate is linked to legislation that is inconsistent with constitutional rights, but says its absence does not prevent a legal challenge.
The Special Operations Bill remains before Parliament.