Q&A: Who declares terror attacks, what Louis Theroux missed & arson attacks on synagogues
4/27/202624 min
In this week's Q&A episode, Andy & Neil discuss some of the recent attacks on synagogues and other Jewish sites in London. They explain who and what determines whether or not these incidents are declared as terror attacks, and Neil opens up on what it was like to be the person who formally announced a string of deadly terror attacks in the UK back in 2017.
Plus, was Louis Theroux's recent documentary on the manosphere wrong not to focus more on its impact on women? Andy gives a very personal response to this question, while Neil also explains whether there's merit to the argument that police treat some suspects differently to others, based on their race, religion and social class.
Later, Neil reveals when he made his most recent arrest - and whether he ever misses putting suspects in handcuffs.
Have a question for a future episode? Send it by email to thecrimeagents@global.com or follow us on social media @thecrimeagents
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsNeil Basu· Host0:00
[digital tone] This is a Global Player original podcast. If it was specifically antisemitism designed to kill or seriously injure or intimidate a congregation who was worshiping, in my view, that would be a terrorist attack. If explosives or firearms are used, it's a terrorist attack without the need to have all the ideological cause behind it as well.
Andy Hughes· Host0:23
That, I am guessing, is why Louis threw, didn't stray. He never has strayed from a narrative, and he never will, but that's, in my view, why he's the best.
Neil Basu· Host0:32
These people tend to be bullies who like bullying people regardless of their characteristics. They'll just pick what they think is a weakness, and they will treat you differently because of it.
Andy Hughes· Host0:41
What terror attacks have you called?
Neil Basu· Host0:44
Well, all of the ones in 2017. [blows raspberry] [piano music] The Crime Agents.
Andy Hughes· Host0:51
Hello, and welcome to the Q&A episode of the Crime Agents with me, crime journalist Andy Hughes.
Neil Basu· Host0:55
And me, the ex-cop Neil Baso.
Andy Hughes· Host0:57
Right. Let's get cracking. Uh, Robin on email first, "What determines whether an, an incident is classified as terrorism? For example, why might arson at a synagogue not be treated as a terrorist a- act?"
Neil Basu· Host1:10
Do you want to go through Section 1 of the Terrorism Act- Well- ... tw- 2000, and, and give the definition of a terror attack?
Andy Hughes· Host1:17
A, a, a t- Please don't ask me to do [laughs] Oh, yeah, well, I, uh- I used to have this memorized, and I could do it in every TV and media interview.
Neil Basu· Host1:23
I've walked in today, seen this question, and thought, "[laughs] Oh, my G- Had a mi- mi- mind blank. Yeah.
Andy Hughes· Host1:27
Uh, so it is an act of violence