Terrorism, as an institution, targets human rights and democratic states have the right to defend themselves, their citizens and values against terrorism. In a sense, terrorism advantage of the free environment created by the general respect for human rights. However, it would be a grave mistake if the measures taken by the state against terrorism violate human rights themselves. Any democratic state which resort to such measures would be in self-denial, and this would eventually lead to destruction of the state's own social structure. Therefore, states, in their fight against terrorism, should act in accordance with human rights and should never sacrifice the principles of democratic rule and the rule of law.