Minor airborne disturbances called terror

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- At least 200 people have been convicted on anti-terrorism charges for creating minor disturbances aboard U.S. airline flights, critics say.

Many of those convicted have done nothing more than raise their voices, use foul language or display drunken behavior without any intent of hijacking the aircraft or attacking the crew, yet have been found guilty of violating amended provisions of the Patriot Act, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

Some security experts told the newspaper the use of the law by airlines and their employees has gotten out of control and has re-defined as terrorism incidents that do not threaten public safety.

"We have gone completely berserk on this issue," said Charles Slepian, a New York security consultant. "These are not threats to national security or threats to aircraft, but we use that as an excuse."

The U.S. Justice Department, however, defended the prosecutions, with spokesman Dean Boyd telling the Times the cases have helped improve airline security and adding the department has only pursued such prosecutions "when the facts and circumstances of a particular case warrant such action."