The ‘Dinana Dakuna’ collective has strongly condemned what it describes as politically motivated interference by police and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in matters related to contempt of court allegations, claiming that such actions are being used to restrict freedom of expression.

In a statement issued by the collective’s leadership board and executive committee, spokesperson Shiral Lakthilaka said the organization expresses strong opposition to what it terms the targeting of citizens’ speech and conscience rights under the guise of contempt of court proceedings.

The statement refers to ongoing police and CID action involving several individuals, including Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila, Dilith Jayaweera, Mahinda Pathirana, Asanka Nawaratne and Sugeeshwara Bandara, and alleges that the process amounts to an attempt to suppress public criticism.

The collective argued that the Contempt of Court, Tribunal or Institution Act No. 8 of 2024 does not provide legal authority for police to initiate or pursue contempt proceedings and claimed that the law is being misused to curtail dissent.

It further alleged that recent CID actions are aimed at preventing criticism of senior law enforcement officials and represent an improper use of legal provisions intended to safeguard judicial authority.

According to the statement, such developments raise concerns over the politicization of law enforcement and the use of police powers to intimidate citizens, activists, and journalists.

The group also emphasized that freedom of expression and freedom of thought are protected under Articles 14(1)(a) and 10 of the Constitution, and warned that restricting these rights undermines democratic governance.

The Dinana Dakuna collective called for an immediate halt to what it described as politically driven suppression and urged authorities to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and equal application of the law.