FSP accuses Govt of using anti-terror Bill to curb dissent

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) has accused the government of attempting to utilize the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill to stifle political dissent and limit public spaces for activism. During a media briefing in Nugegoda, FSP Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda pointed out that the Bill, which was gazetted on September 22, could potentially treat legitimate political and social activism as terrorism.

Jayagoda argued that the proposed definition of terrorism was so expansive that it could encompass activities like demanding higher wages or opposing defense agreements with other nations. He maintained that the Bill could be used against trade union leaders, farmers, student leaders, youth leaders, social activists, and community leaders instead of actual terrorists.

Jayagoda also alleged that the proposed legislation would grant the executive branch more power at the expense of the judiciary, citing the Defense Ministry Secretary's ability to issue detention orders for two-month periods, allowing a detainee to remain in custody for up to a year without a court order. Furthermore, he criticized Clause 19, stating that it would grant military forces the same powers of search, arrest, and detention that are currently held by the police.

Jayagoda connected the proposed legislation to the deteriorating economic and social conditions in the country, referencing figures from the International Monetary Fund, International Labour Organization, World Bank, and the World Happiness Report, which indicate high youth unemployment, declining purchasing power, poverty, and food insecurity.

He blamed the government for introducing repressive laws due to its fear of protests from workers and young people. Jayagoda also faulted the government for using its parliamentary majority to pass legislation, claiming that the two-thirds majority in Parliament was being wielded against the poorer majority outside Parliament. He called on the public to form a broad-based movement against the proposed Bill and encouraged people to take to the streets to oppose it.