On 12 November 2025, Julie Zorilla moderated a panel for the American Bar Association’s International Law Section on the different definitions of acts of terrorism, its issues, challenges, and potential abuses through the example of three jurisdictions.

The discussions focused on the delicate balance between justice, respect for Human rights and the Rule of Law, accountability, and public safety in the contemporary context of counter terrorism—a major issue at a time of growing challenges in this area around the world.

With:

• Somaya Selim (Egypt), who provided an in-depth analysis of the effects of the lack of a precise definition of terrorism in Egyptian legislation, which has allowed certain abuses to the detriment of individual freedoms and respect for human rights.
• Naw Hser Hser (Myanmar), who discussed the challenges of a fair and accountable legal system in a fragile context, emphasizing the importance of training judicial actors, education and community involvement, judicial independence, and international cooperation.
• Bonita Ayuko (Kenya), who provided an East African regional perspective, highlighting the challenges of cross-border cooperation, digital evidence management, and guaranteeing fundamental rights.

Together, the speakers reaffirmed a common principle: the fight against terrorism cannot and must not be conducted at the expense of the rule of law, which remains the guarantee of good justice.