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Over 60,000 arrested in Sri Lanka for violating COVID-19 curfew

Sri Lankan police have reported that they have arrested 60,425 for violating a state-imposed curfew which came into effect on 20 March.

On Wednesday 20 May at least 660 people were arrested. Whilst there have been 1,000 identified cases of the coronavirus, 500 have recovered and there have been nine deaths.

The high level of arrests and militarised response of the Sri Lankan state has raised concerns from human rights organisations. The police have stated that over 45,000 people will be prosecuted for violating the state-imposed curfew. Those prosecuted may face imprisonment for up to two years months and face a fine if they knowingly spread false information.
 

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