Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued new guidelines governing arrests under Section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.
The directive, communicated in writing to all police officers including Senior Deputy Inspectors General, outlines stricter procedures to be followed before making arrests under the Act.
According to the guidelines, an arrest can only be made after carefully assessing whether a statement or expression incites war or promotes discrimination, hostility, or violence, amounting to advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred.
The IGP further instructed that police officers must inform the Director of the Legal Division and obtain prior written approval before proceeding with any arrest under this provision.
Importantly, the guidelines clarify that causing offence, insult, or religious disrespect alone is not sufficient grounds for arrest under Section 3 of the ICCPR Act.
The IGP also warned that disciplinary action will be taken against officers who fail to follow these procedures or misuse the law.