Tamil National Youth Federation Petitions Against the Anti Terrorism Act

by Ephraim
May 4, 2023

The Tamil National Youth Federation (TNYF) organized a petition opposing the Anti Terrorism Act, set to be debated in the Sri Lankan parliament on April 25th. The petition collected signatures from members of the public in Kilinochchi on April 23rd and will be sent to all 225 members of parliament and the United Nations Human Rights Commission.

The TNYF aims to demonstrate its opposition to the Anti Terrorism Act through the petition, highlighting the potential impact of the act on civil liberties and human rights. The act is intended to reform the Prevention of Terrorism Act, but many activists and lawyers have expressed concern that it falls short of international standards and could be exploited to stifle dissent, prevent journalists from gathering and publishing information, and arbitrarily assign groups and individuals as terrorists.

The collection of signatures on April 23rd was intended to demonstrate the public's opposition to the Anti Terrorism Act and call on lawmakers to ensure that it is not passed. The TNYF and other organizations are concerned that the Anti Terrorism Act could be used to target minority groups, including Tamils, and to suppress political opposition.

Many activists and lawyers have identified the flaws in the Anti Terrorism Act, arguing that it does not meet international human rights standards and has many shortcomings. They are calling on parliamentarians to carefully consider the potential consequences of the act and work towards a more effective and just legal framework that upholds human rights and protects civil liberties.

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