A protest was held this afternoon near the Police Headquarters in Slave Island, demanding the release of a 20-year-old Muslim youth who was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for allegedly pasting a sticker condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza.
According to protesters, The young man, employed as a salesperson at a shop inside a well-known shopping mall in the Slave Island area, was arrested on 22nd March after CCTV footage reportedly identified him pasting the sticker. Protesters say he is currently being held under a detention order by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID).
Protesters serious concerns over the arrest, questioning whether peaceful expression of solidarity with Palestine could be considered an act of terrorism.
Thousands of stickers in support of Palestine were distributed across the city during the protest as demonstrators voiced concern over the suppression of free expression and the misuse of counter-terror laws.
Meanwhile according lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah, Miflal Moulavi, who organised today’s protest, was summoned to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).
According to lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah, Moulavi was also taken to his residence, reportedly for a search.
Commenting on the matter, Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman questioned whether the Sri Lankan government’s long-standing policy of support for Palestine still stands, in light of the arrest and the response to the protest. (NewsWire)
