Introduction
A policy killing is the deliberate killing of a person or persons by government agents in furtherance of government policy. The term is often about extrajudicial killings but may also encompass targeted killings, assassinations, and state-sanctioned executions. The concept of a policy killing is controversial, and there is no universally accepted definition of what constitutes a policy killing.
In general, the term is used to describe killings carried out by government agents without due process or judicial oversight, which are motivated by political or ideological goals rather than the need to protect public safety or national security. Policy killings have been carried out by governments worldwide, both democratically elected and autocratic. This paper will explore the issue of policy killings, examining the cases that have been made publicly, the arguments for and against them, and the implications of such killings for our society.
Policy Killings and Global Security
Policy killing has become a highly debatable practice that governments worldwide have used to eradicate possible threats to the nation’s security and human life. While some believe that policy killings are a necessary evil in the fight against terrorism, others argue that they are a gross violation of human rights. There is no doubt that policy killings have had a significant impact on global security.
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the US government implemented a series of policy killings to thwart future terrorist attacks. This included the killing of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. While bin Laden’s death was widely celebrated, it also sparked a debate about the legality and morality of police killings. Critics of policy killings argue that they are a form of extrajudicial execution. This means that the people killed have not been tried or convicted in a court of law.
Critics argue that policy killings often result in the death of innocent civilians who are not the intended targets. In some cases, policy killings have been linked to human rights abuses, such as torture and rendition, which is not right since the policy has a role to play, which is to maintain law and order. If a person is punished for abusing the law, that is not an abuse of human rights. They argue that traditional law enforcement methods are often ineffective in dealing with terrorists.
Policy killings can effectively eliminate potential threats to national security. The debate surrounding policy killings will likely continue for many years. There is no easy answer to whether they are justified. Policy killings have significantly impacted global security, especially in the fight against terrorism, racism, and extremism. By confronting terrorism, the crime rates are mitigated, consequently enhancing the safety of people and property within society.
Most articles narrate that governments have engaged in policy-driven executions over the course of history, often to suppress dissent or consolidate power. One article recounts how policy killings were employed in the 20th century to maintain peace and stability. Moreover, the article stated that authoritarian governments had carried out policy killings in some countries. While policy killings are sometimes justified as a necessary evil, they are often criticized as a violation of human rights. Policy killings often have a devastating effect on the families and communities of the victims.Â
However, policy killings can be a form of state-sponsored murder that violates the fundamental human rights of those killed. Policy killings are often based on faulty intelligence and can kill innocent people. Supporters of police killings argue that they are a controversial but essential tactic in addressing terrorism and insurgency. This claim may not be correct since the policy only responds when there is demand.
Conclusion
The policy killings are justified as a necessary evil encroaching on human life. The unjustified policy killings cause some perpetrators not to be brought to justice, leaving loved ones with a sense of impunity and injustice. Policy killings are often regarded as manifestations of state-sponsored violence that is used to violate the rights of those who are killed. The faulty intelligence carried out by the policy can lead to the killing of innocent people. Therefore, the proper measures based on evidence should be prioritized while investigating; hence, this can reduce the instances of police killings of innocent people.