S v Okah (CCT 315/16; CCT 193/17)
S v Okah (CCT 315/16; CCT 193/17) [2018] ZACC 3; 2018 (4) BCLR 456 (CC); 2018 (1) SACR 492 (CC) (23 February 2018)
The Constitutional Court held that section 15(1) of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act confers broad extra-territorial jurisdiction on South African courts to try terrorist offences committed abroad, not limited to financing. The Supreme Court of Appeal's narrow interpretation was rejected as textually and purposively incorrect and inconsistent with South Africa's international obligations. Mr Okah's claim for exemption under section 1(4) failed because his actions, involving indiscriminate bombings targeting civilians, violated internation…
Source excerpt
- Terrorism
- Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
- International Humanitarian Law
- Special Entry Criminal Procedure
- Consular Access
- Statutory Interpretation