A repressive new internet law that Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe is trying to rush through parliament this week would create broad and vague new speech-related offenses punishable by lengthy prison terms. The law would seriously threaten the right to freedom of expression as Sri Lanka prepares for parliamentary and presidential elections later this year.
Tomorrow the Sri Lankan parliament will begin examining a controversial government bill. Last year, 8,000 complaints were filed, 3,000 related to social media. Critics warn that the proposed legislation is flawed, its vague definitions of terms and offences creating considerable risks for arbitrary and subjective interpretations.
The Online Safety Bill: A Trojan Horse groundviews.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from groundviews.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Sri Lanka: Withdraw the Online Safety Bill article19.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from article19.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.