Bar Association concerned over possible curbs on free speech

COLOMBO: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has expressed deep concern that a recently announced decision to arrest people who share “fake news” on social media could be misused by police to stifle free speech.

“Whilst the BASL has no objection to enforcing laws relating to hate speech and incitement to voilence, it is important to ensure that authorities do not use such laws to stifle genuine expression of dissent and criticism,” the BASL said in a statement on June 11.

The BASL is apprehensive of the executive including the police being allowed to decide on what is or is not fake news and on the basis of their subjective decisions to cause arrests and detention of persons, it said.

“The BASL is deeply concerned that the provisions of the laws mentioned in the circular could be misused by police officers in order to stifle the freedom of speech and expression which is a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution. At a time when the country remains under travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that freedom of speech and expression of the people and their right to dissent and disagree are protected,” it said.