SJB offers free legal assistance to anyone to be charged under OSB

Opposition and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa has pledged free legal assistance for anyone who will be charged with violating the newly-passed Online Safety Bill (OSB).Speaking at a meeting after handing over one million rupees worth of computers and equipment for a smart classroom to the Kamburupitiya Maha Vidyalaya on Friday, the Opposition Leader called on people not to be afraid of telling the truth via social media.

“The government has introduced undemocratic laws violating the people’s freedom of speech. Some people have doubts whether they will face legal action if they continue to disseminate the truth online. Our party is ready to provide free legal aid to anyone who would be caught breaking this draconian law,” Premadasa said.

“People should not be afraid of speaking the truth. This is not a country of Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin or Marcos. This country has always upheld democratic rights and values and it will continue to do so. We will oppose the dictatorial laws of this government. The people are demanding an end to the current regime.

“This change will come in seven to eight months. That would be a democratic power change,” Premadasa said.