Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya has issued a set of guidelines governing arrests related to offences under Section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.
The directive has been communicated in writing to all police officers, including Senior Deputy Inspectors General.
Under the guidelines, an arrest can only be made after carefully assessing whether a statement or expression incites war or promotes discrimination, hostility, or violence, amounting to advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred.
The IGP has also instructed that prior written approval must be obtained from the Director of the Legal Division before carrying out any such arrest.
The guidelines further clarify that causing offence, insult, or religious disrespect alone does not constitute sufficient grounds for arrest under Section 3 of the ICCPR Act.
The IGP warned that disciplinary action will be taken against officers who fail to follow these procedures or misuse the provisions of the law.
