Sri Lanka to amend controversial anti-terror law
The Hindu
The bill proposes a number of amendments and ensures the suspects are allowed to approach the Supreme Court on grounds of violation of their fundamental rights and seek relief, says officials.
Sri Lanka will amend a controversial anti-terror law that gives police sweeping powers to arrest suspects without trial to fully align it with international standards, amid mounting pressure from the European Union (EU) and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) over concerns it violates human rights.
The government issued a gazette notification on Thursday saying the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be amended. Enacted in 1979, the PTA allows authorities to make warrantless arrests and searches if a person is suspected of involvement in a “terrorist activity.” The move comes ahead of the March session of the UNHRC in Geneva where Sri Lanka’s rights and progress accountability has come under review.
The bill proposes a number of amendments and ensures the suspects are allowed to approach the Supreme Court on grounds of violation of their fundamental rights and seek relief, officials said.
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