WARSAW, Poland - A new Polish law gives authorities the power to order hijacked airliners shot down - a post-Sept. 11 measure that underscores growing terrorism concerns in Europe but drew criticism when enacted in Germany.
The law, which took effect Thursday, allows the defense minister or air force chief to order the downing of civilian or military aircraft whose hijackers refuse to land.
German President Horst Koehler reluctantly signed a measure similar to Poland's into law Wednesday, saying the country's constitution bars the government from killing its citizens even if it saves the lives of others, and urging a high court review.
In the United States, the White House ordered the shooting down of any commercial aircraft that entered Washington airspace and refused to turn back during the tense moments after the Sept. 11 attacks. Later that month, the Pentagon said two air force generals had been authorized to order the downing of civilian airliners.
Several other European nations allow the shooting down of hijacked planes, including Hungary and the Czech Republic. Italy has less formal guidelines allowing the action.
