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A protest march and demonstration was held in Batticaloa on Monday (22), calling for the repeal of the the Anti-Terrorism Bill and Online Safety Bill, adding both repressive laws hinder the freedom of expression and assembly.
Protestors from all walks of life, representing several civil society organizations gathered and collectively voiced their concerns that both the Anti-terrorism Bill and Online Safety Bill were aimed at restricting citizen’s right to expression and assembly. The protestors emphasised that both tenets were primary principles of democracy.
Protestors held slogans and voiced their concerns calling on these oppressive laws to be repealed. The protest started near the Kallady Bridge and marched towards Gandhi Park where the crowds gathered.
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In October 2023, the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) raised “serious concerns” over the Anti-Terrorism Bill and the Online Safety Bill, warning that both bills “give the authorities a range of expansive powers and can impose restrictions on human rights, not in line with international human rights law”.
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