UN expresses concern over media freedoms under PSTA legislation

The UN has flagged concerns that certain clauses within the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PSTA) create potential obstacles for media practitioners and news organizations operating in Sri Lanka, according to reports circulating among diplomatic and civil society circles.

International observers have noted that provisions within the counterterrorism legislation could be interpreted in ways that inhibit legitimate journalism and reporting activities. The concerns center on the breadth of language used in sections of the act that could enable authorities to restrict media access, detain journalists, or limit news gathering in the name of national security.

The UN's intervention reflects broader international scrutiny of how counterterrorism measures in various jurisdictions can impact fundamental freedoms, including the right to free expression and freedom of the press. These rights are enshrined in international human rights conventions to which Sri Lanka is a signatory.

Civil society organizations and media watchdogs have previously raised similar concerns about the PSTA's implementation and its potential chilling effect on investigative reporting and critical journalism. The UN statement underscores the importance of balancing legitimate security objectives with the protection of press freedom and democratic accountability mechanisms.