The Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine (SLCSP) has issued a strong statement condemning the recent arrest of a youth activist under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), calling it a blatant violation of the activist’s constitutional right to free speech.
The youth in question was reportedly arrested for publicly expressing dissent against what the SLCSP describes as the “ongoing genocide in Gaza,” a stance the organization asserts falls squarely within the bounds of peaceful protest and free expression as protected under Sri Lanka’s Constitution.
“The Sri Lankan Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and numerous court rulings have reinforced this right,” the statement reads. “The activist’s remarks, which highlighted the atrocities in Gaza, including the killing of innocent civilians and children, should not be criminalized.”
The SLCSP called the application of the PTA in this instance “arbitrary” and “unacceptable,” and firmly rejected any effort to conflate peaceful dissent with terrorism.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of the youth activist,” the committee stated.
The statement was signed by Hon. Mujibur Rahman MP, Vice president of the SLCSP; Ameen Izzadeen, Vice President; and M. Fawzer Farook, General Secretary.
The incident has sparked growing concern among civil rights advocates, who fear the misuse of anti-terror laws to suppress legitimate political dissent and criticism of international human rights violations.
