• Claims it is opposed to laws restricting free speech 

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) organisation urged the Government to expedite the legal actions taken against those who have allegedly insulted the Islamic religion on social media platforms.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (11), the ACJU General Secretary Arkam Nooramith claimed that strict legal actions must be taken against those who insult any kind of religion or belief since it is a violation of the Fundamental Rights of the people which are enshrined in the country’s Constitution. He also said that they have identified that legal actions against those who have insulted certain religions are being taken in a sluggish manner in comparison to the incidents associated with Buddhism. 

“However, the Government and other law enforcement authorities should take measures to prevent such acts taking place”. He also said that while the ACJU does not believe in laws which restrict the people’s freedom of speech, no one should be allowed to insult someone else’s religion or beliefs under the guise of that freedom. He further stated that the ACJU does not want to prosecute anyone in the name of religion but that everyone’s right to believe in their religion should be protected in spite of whatever that religion is. Therefore, he urged the law enforcement authorities to look into such matters in a very firm manner while protecting the people’s freedom of speech.

Recently, astrologer Indika Thotawaththa was arrested over his statements allegedly damaging the harmony among ethnic and religious groups. The arrest was made by the Police Computer Crimes Division on 6 October and he was remanded until 20 October, on the orders of the Maligakanda Magistrate. He was arrested for making statements which have allegedly insulted the Islamic religious figure Muhammad.