UNHR Chief Michelle Bachelet concerned over arrests in Sri Lanka for expressing discontent over COVID-19 situation

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet has expressed concern over alleged incidents of clampdown on freedom of expression including arrests of personnel for expressing discontent over COVID-19 situation in several Asia-Pacific countries including in Sri Lanka.

 

“These laws have been used in other contexts to deter legitimate speech, especially public debate, criticism of government policy and suppress freedom of expression. Measures should adhere to the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, serve a legitimate public health objective and should be the “least intrusive” approach required to achieve that result,” she said

Source : Daily Mirror