BASL reiterates peaceful protests must be respected and upheld

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday called on all concerned to act with utmost resistance, reiterating that right of the public to protest in a peaceful manner must be respected and upheld. 

The BASL statement followed minutes after police arrested a group of youths who were protesting in close proximity to the Parliament yesterday afternoon.

Stating that there was an escalation of the situation in the vicinity of Parliament where protesters have gathered, the BASL said they were informed that there is a heavy presence of police and service personnel in the vicinity, whilst persons attending the protest were being subject to arrest and detention in the location.

“We once again call upon all concerned including the Government, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) 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 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 also stressed that such protests must be peaceful at all times.