IGP issues guidelines on arrests under ICCPR Act

The Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya, has released new guidelines on how to arrest suspects for crimes under Section 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act. This notification has been sent in writing to all police officers, including Senior Deputy Inspectors General. The Act states that a person can only be arrested after checking if a statement or expression leads to war or encourages discrimination, hostility, or violence. This could be seen as promoting national, racial, or religious hatred. If an arrest is necessary, the police officer must first notify the Director of the Legal Division and get written approval before proceeding. The guidelines also clarify that simply offending, insulting, or showing disrespect to someone, a group, or the public is not enough reason for an arrest under Section 3 of the ICCPR Act. The IGP has also warned that disciplinary measures will be taken against officers who do not follow these rules or misuse the procedures.