BASL calls for right to protest without arrest

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday said that those engaged in the lawful exercise of their right to protest cannot be arrested.

“We reiterate once more that the right of the public to protest in a peaceful manner must be respected and upheld.”, the Association said

The BASL in a statement over the escalation of the situation in the vicinity of the Parliament also insisted that such protest must be peaceful at all times.

“The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) notes that there is an escalation of the situation in the vicinity of Parliament where protesters have gathered. We are informed that there is a heavy presence of police and service personnel in the vicinity.

“We have also reports of persons attending the protest being subject to arrest and detention in the vicinity. We once again call upon all concerned including the Government, the Inspector General of Police and all police officers and the armed forces to act with utmost restraint. It should be noted that those engaged in lawful exercise of their right to protest cannot be arrested.We re-iterate once more that the right of the public to protest in a peaceful manner must be respected and upheld. We also stress that such protests must be peaceful at all time”, the statement said.