by Melani Manel Perera

A new law would extend police power to detain suspects for 48 hours without an arrest warrant. For the government, the new rule helps investigations. Human rights critics warn that it threatens fundamental human rights.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Parliament passed the Code of Criminal Procedure (Special Provision) bill by a margin of 110 against 33 granting police the power hold suspects without an arrest warrant for 48 hours instead of 24. For the government, the aim is to improve the investigation process. But human rights activists warn that the measure would jeopardise citizens' freedom.

For Fr Ashok Stephen, a lawyer, activist and director of the Centre for Society and Religion, the new law "gives the government the power to control dissenting voices."

"Abuses and torture occur more often during the first hours after detention," noted Jehan Perera, head of the National Peace Council. "Extending the period is not a good sign."

The change is a clear indication of the state's excessive power, said Nimalka Fernando, head of the International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR).

"The government of Sri Lanka is not fighting the Tamil Tigers anymore," Fernando said, using the short name for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE).

"Before they used the excuse of terrorism to adopt regulations that violated fundamental and universal liberties. Now asking for 'more time' to conduct their investigations is ridiculous," she added.

• sri
• lanka
• bill
• arrest
• warrant
• police
• parliament
• 24
• 48
• hours