Reacting to threats of arrests by the Philippine State officials towards individuals joining the Anti-Terrorism Law protests tomorrow, Shamini Darshni Kaliemuthu, FORUM-ASIA’s Executive Director said:
Threats of arrests by the police and the Interior Secretary only serve to illustrate the increasing authoritarianism by the Philippine Government.
Its arrests and detention of peaceful protesters in recent days have illustrated how it has become increasingly defiant of international human rights standards that it has committed itself to.
These threats and intimidation of protesters further prove the need for vigilance against the passage of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Law. This proposed law could be used to crack down on legitimate activities such as protests, under a vague and broad definition of terrorism. It would legitimise the existing practice of labeling human rights defenders and critics as terrorists.
FORUM-ASIA stands in solidarity with its member-organisations in the Philippines in their advocacy to call for the veto of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Law, and for their right to peacefully express their dissent against measures that will compromise the fulfillment of human rights.
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