The Human Rights Watch in a letter to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe welcomed the Counter Terrorism Act (CTA) of 2018 which replaced the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) of 1979 citing that it upheld human rights protection. However, added that it needed more 'human rights protection'
“The Sri Lankan government has finally addressed the torture-tarred Prevention of Terrorism Act, but the proposed law needs stronger human rights protections,” said Letta Tayler, senior terrorism and counterterrorism researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Parliament should reject attempts to add abusive clauses and pass a bill that advances the rule of law.”
The Cabinet submitted the draft law to parliament on October 9, 2018. Media reports suggest that there is pressure within parliament to reduce the bill’s rights protections. Measures reportedly under consideration would include restoring the Prevention of Terrorism Act’s use of confessions to police as evidence in court.
Related stories
Counter Terrorism Bill gazetted
CPA comments on proposed Counter Terrorism Bill
History often has a way of repeating itself, sometimes by shaping similar personalities that seem destined to converge
The Gaza war started on October 7, 2023, following the Hamas attack on a southern Israeli border town. Some 1200 people died, while Hamas took 250 Israelis as hostages.
On his second death anniversary, we pay our deepest respect and heartfelt tribute to General Lionel Balagalle, an illustrious son of Sri Lanka, a noble soldier, and an exemplary leader whose vision, dedication, and humility have left an indelible mark on the Sri Lanka Army and our nation.
Leave Comments