A 22-year-old youth who was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for allegedly pasting a sticker condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza has been released on bail after being produced before court today.
The youth, identified as Mohamad Rusdi, was taken into custody by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) on 22nd March, after CCTV footage reportedly showed him pasting the sticker in the Slave Island area. He was working as a salesperson at a shop inside a well-known shopping mall at the time of his arrest.
Police claimed the arrest was linked to alleged extremist views, and a three-month detention order had been issued by the President under the PTA.
His detention triggered strong public backlash and protests. Last week, demonstrators gathered near the Police Headquarters in Slave Island demanding his release. Thousands of stickers in support of Palestine were distributed during the protest, with participants voicing concern over the suppression of free expression and the use of counter-terror laws against peaceful activism.
Amnesty International South Asia had also raised concerns about Rusdi’s arrest and detention, stating that Sri Lankan authorities had failed to present any evidence of criminal wrongdoing to justify holding him under the PTA. The group also criticised the continued use of the PTA under the country’s new leadership. (NewsWire)
