CID to probe fake news on social media: Fmr UNP MP to give free legal aid for the harassed
Posted on June 7th, 2021
Courtesy The Daily Mirror
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been tasked with investigating those who are misleading the public by spreading false propaganda on social media, Police said.
Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said a special police team has been appointed to investigate such false reports.
He said the public was facing various inconveniences due to such false propaganda on social media platforms.
DIG Rohana said it is an offence punishable under Section 98 of the Police Ordinance, that if anyone disturbs the public by publishing fake news.
Meanwhile, former UNP MP Ajith P. Perera said in his Facebook post that he is ready to provide free legal aid if anyone is being harassed by the police for expressing their opinion.
He said anyone can choose any media platform to express themselves and the police do not have the power to decide what is true.
“The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental right guaranteed by Article 14 of the Constitution. You have the right to praise and criticise the government of the country in which you live and no one can usurp that right,” he said.(DSB)