Sri Lanka - September 2022

A new regulation introduced on 23 September by President Ranil Wickremesinghe restricts the right to protest in designated "High-Security Zones" under the Official Secrets Act, restricting protests to designated public spaces. Critics allege the measure is unlawful and threatens protesters' fundamental right to the freedom of assembly. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities continue to clamp down on peaceful protests. On 24 September, police dispersed protesters demanding the release of student activists detained under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act with tear gas and arrested 84 persons. 

Sources: Centre for Policy Alternatives, Human Rights Watch