The Internet Media Action (IMA) has raised alarm over what it called was a serious democratic crisis in Sri Lanka, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that found the fundamental rights of Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail had been violated under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
Issuing a statement, IMA said Suhail was detained for nine months solely over a social media post, without evidence, a move the Supreme Court condemned as arbitrary and unlawful.
The rights group further said the incident exposes the “dark reality” of law enforcement and freedom of expression in the country, pointing to fabricated police claims and political interference as a fatal blow to the Rule of Law.
IMA noted that the arrest occurred under the current NPP government, which had pledged to repeal the PTA but is now pushing new legislation such as the Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA), which critics say further suppresses digital rights.
The group stressed that accountability cannot be avoided through apologies or private compensation, insisting that responsibility lies with the government and the President.
The organization urged immediate repeal of the PTA, disciplinary action against officers responsible, withdrawal of repressive laws, and systemic police reform to align with constitutional and human rights standards.
“Justice is not merely compensation after a wrong. It is ensuring that such violations cannot happen again,” IMA added.
The 21‑year‑old youth had filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court, claiming that the Police violated his fundamental rights by arresting him and remanding him under the PTA based on false information alleging he had posted content on social media harming the Israeli flag. (Newswire)
