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Terrorism and the Olympics: conference highlights critical lessons

Wednesday 30 April 2008

Leading international experts on terrorism, counter-terrorism and major event security will gather at the University of East London (UEL) School of Law on Friday 9 May, for a one day conference to assess the current international terrorist threat and implications for major sporting events including the Olympics in London.

Topics covered will include the tactics and strategies of Al Qaeda, options for deterring and preventing terrorism, countering suicide terrorism, andtrends and lessons learned from previous major sporting events.

The event is organised by Dr Anthony Richards, a leading researcher who recently joined UEL from the University of St Andrews. He is a contributor to Homeland Security in the UK: Future Preparedness for Terrorist Attack Since 9/11, published in 2007.

Dr Richards said: “The threat from terrorism remains a very real one in the UK, while major sporting events such as the Olympics have a huge public profile and are given widespread media coverage. Terrorists have exploited this in the past in order to get their agenda onto the international stage. It would be unrealistic to assume that such events will not be targeted in the future and so it is important for host cities and nations to understand the nature of the threat and to develop appropriate measures.”

UEL’s School of Law, based at Duncan House, Stratford, offers the first taught MSc in Terrorism Studies in England and is committed to developing legal studies in an international and multicultural context. It also has a leading centre for human rights education and research. For details of all programmes, visit www.uel.ac.uk/law

For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

University of East London: London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Office

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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