Slams free speech restrictions and discrimination tooBy Pamodi WaravitaThe Sri Lanka Collective Against Torture (SLCAT) wrote to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) condemning several incidents of custodial violations such as arbitrary arrests and detentions, deaths and shootouts during the conduct of inspections, and the new restrictions placed upon the freedom of speech under the guise of tackling fake news. “Particularly during a pandemic, when the rights of citizens are restricted due to health reasons, such incidents can cause public anxiety and unrest. While the Police should take action against those that violate the law, this should neither be arbitrary nor dependent on the identity or social status of the person, but should be fair and equitable,” the letter stressed. Furthermore, the letter pointed to the participation of the Police in the birthday party of the Kurunegala Mayor and the funeral of the mother of a monk (Ven. Iththekande Sadhdhatissa Thero) as instances of the arbitrary application of the law.

Source: The Nation June 30, 2021 17:37 UTC