The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised alarm over a surge in online content targeting judicial officers, cautioning that such attacks threaten the independence of the judiciary and compromise the integrity of the legal process.
In a statement issued Saturday, the BASL said that posts circulating on social media, many containing images and unverified claims, were detrimental to both individual judges and the broader justice system. The association called for restraint in public commentary, particularly on matters under investigation.
“The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of our legal system and must be upheld at all times,” the statement said. It emphasized that judicial officers, due to the nature of their roles, are limited in their ability to respond to public allegations outside of formal legal mechanisms.
The BASL criticized what it described is a growing culture of “trial by media,” warning that public speculation on judicial conduct, particularly when based on unsubstantiated claims, undermines due process and erodes public trust.
The association urged legal professionals and the public to engage in responsible discourse and to respect the legal procedures in place for reviewing judicial actions. (Newswire)
