By: Isuru Parakrama
Kandy (LNW): A silent protest demanding protection for Freedom of Speech was held in front of the George. E. De Silva premises in Kandy yesterday (17) afternoon.
The protest “Protect Freedom of Speech” was organised by the “89 Sahodarathwaya” (Brotherhood of 89) movement.
The protesters told media that a number of events hindering the people’s right to speech had happened recently, and condemned the government’s move of imprisoning people by the misuse of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The Police exerting pressure on those who speak against such repression – media persons, lawyers and social activists – through various means was also strongly denounced by the protesters.
An attempt is being made to repress the mass media through the adaptation of a new Broadcasting Act, they stressed, adding that restricting the people’s freedom of speech is a direct blow against democracy and the people cannot be deceived by further dragging in the dialogue of democracy.
