CID to probe fake news on social media: Fmr UNP MP to give free legal aid for the harassed

7 June 2021 07:54 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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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)

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Comments - 9

Jay Jay Monday, 07 June 2021 08:15 PM

Dear Ajith P, Perera. You are absolutely right. Right to freedom of expression is a fundamental right. But abusing that right by spreading false news is not. As a lawyer, you should know that.

DotDotDash Monday, 07 June 2021 08:27 PM

Well said Ajith P. Perera. Proud to be an Anandian.

Mark MyWord Monday, 07 June 2021 08:30 PM

Oh, so Mr Weerasekera has ordered his police to sort out the Fb post of his free delivery service of makeup to piumi.. unfortunately, that’s not fake it’s true and it’s authenticity was confirmed from the ministry it self.

Joshua Monday, 07 June 2021 08:32 PM

Thank You Ajith Sir.

dickie bird Monday, 07 June 2021 08:43 PM

Looser

Sam Silva Monday, 07 June 2021 08:52 PM

The government could give false information by different spokesman which contridics each other which does confuse the public. All bs.

ANTON Monday, 07 June 2021 09:05 PM

WHY ? CID HAS NO ANY OTHER IMPORTANT WORK TO DO ?

Ranaweera Monday, 07 June 2021 09:06 PM

Expressing an opinion is fine but expressing it as an event that took place falsely is something that cannot be accepted .l Let Ajith Perera spend the money robbed during his power on the lawyers. He may be getting more funds from other countries for this purpose. Instead of spreading false news they should buy some food for the needy.

Demuni Uduwara Monday, 07 June 2021 11:21 PM

What about fake promises of rulers?

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CID to probe fake news on social media: Fmr UNP MP to give free legal aid for the harassed

Comments - 9

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