EU says PTA problematic

• Published date: 07 February 2023
• Publication title: Daily Mirror

The European Union (EU) says the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) remains 'problematic' and steps taken so far to address issues over the law are not sufficient.

The EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Denis Chaibi, noted that the PTA is problematic as there is no judicial review and could be used for political intimidation.

'Lots of politicians have told us the PTA was used against them,' the Ambassador told Daily Mirror in an interview. He also said that there is a wide consensus among the population in Sri Lanka that there should be changes with the PTA.

Chaibi recalled that the Government had in 2017 committed to put the PTA in line with international standards. 'We welcome the amendment to the PTA last year, but it is not sufficient,' he added. He also expressed disappointment that the PTA was used despite a de-facto moratorium on the use of the PTA by the previous Government.

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