Nicolas Sarkozy introduces tough antiterrorism bill in France

GlobalPost

President Nicolas Sarkozy's government has introduced an antiterrorism bill that he proposed after series of attacks in the France and as a presidential election looms.

The bill, if approved by parliament, would punish those who visit extremist websites that promote terrorism or travel to weapons training camps abroad, according to the Associated Press.

Offenders could be sued and convicted before they commit terrorist acts on French soil, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Sarkozy pledged the measures hours after the death of Mohamed Merah, a Frenchman of Algerian descent who murdered four people at a Jewish school and three soldiers last month in and around the southwestern city of Toulouse.

More from GlobalPost: Sarkozy to ban some Muslim clerics from France after Toulouse shooting

The 23-year-old, a self-proclaimed Al Qaeda militant whose shooting spree led to a two-day suspension of the election campaign, was killed after a 33-hour standoff with police. 

The opposition Socialists have labeled the antiterrorism bill an election vote grab: According to Dow Jones, Parliament doesn't meet before the elections beginning April 22, so the bill won't come into law unless Sarkozy gets a second mandate.

More from GlobalPost: What the Toulouse shootings mean for the election

The latest polls have forecast that Sarkozy will lose to the Socialist candidate François Hollande in a second-round runoff on May 6.

The Socialists say France's legal arsenal against terrorism is already strong enough.

More from GlobalPost: Tough times for Australian billionaires
 

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!