Colombo, June 17 — The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has ruled that the arrest and detention of Mohamed Rushdy under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was a violation of his fundamental rights, recommending that the Ministry of Public Security pay Rs. 200,000 in compensation.
The Commission’s findings follow an investigation triggered by a complaint filed by Rushdy’s mother, Haneefa Badrunnisa, after he was arrested on March 22 for allegedly pasting a sticker condemning Israel’s attacks on Gaza.
In its report, the HRCSL concluded that Rushdy’s actions did not warrant arrest under the PTA and that the application of the law in this instance was excessive and disproportionate. The Commission underscored that the misuse of the PTA undermines basic civil liberties and erodes public trust in law enforcement.
The report emphasized that Rushdy ’s arrest amounted to a violation of his constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and right to liberty.
As a result, the Commission has instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security to ensure the payment of Rs. 200,000 as compensation for the unlawful detention and its consequences, and to submit a compliance report no later than July 15.
