21 December 2024 12:00 am Views - 29
The Coalition against the Repressive Laws (CARL) comprised of more than 60 civil society and media organisations as well as trade unions and professional associations have requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to repeal repressive laws including the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
In a letter addressed to the President the CARL has requested to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act, Online Safety Act and other repressive laws that undermine fundamental rights and freedoms.
Issuing a press release, the CARL members stressed that they are mindful that the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) have historically opposed such laws and consistently championed their repeal. The PTA remains widely recognised as a draconian law that must be repealed immediately, and its continued use represents a significant deviation from the positions previously upheld by both the NPP and the JVP.
In addition to the PTA, the CARL also strongly appeals for the immediate repeal of the Online Safety Act, another repressive law that severely undermines freedom of expression. “Over the past two years and indeed for many years before, our coalition has, collectively and individually, advocated for the repeal of laws that undermine fundamental rights and freedoms.
The continued use of provisions under the PTA to detain individuals is therefore deeply troubling. These detentions are often followed by charges filed under alternative legal frameworks. The PTA remains widely recognised as a draconian law that must be repealed immediately, and its continued use represents a significant deviation from the positions previously upheld by both the NPP and the JVP.
We urge you, as President, and your government to take immediate action to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act in accordance with your longstanding commitments”.