The BASL requested the President ensure the fundamental rights of the people.
They expect the government to protect the freedom of expression, freedom of speech, publication and the right to peaceful assembly.
The BASL stressed that the government refrain from using the state of emergency to stifle peaceful protests and dissent or make arbitrary arrests and detentions.
In a statement, the BASL expressed its grave concern over the declaration of a state of emergency from midnight on the 6th of May 2022.
The BASL observed that a declaration of a state of emergency is not the answer to the present situation in the country, including the spate of public protests and strikes which have occurred.
The BASL also reiterated that the protests must not be violent and must remain peaceful.
Meanwhile, the BASL has urged the President to explain to the people the reasons why he has declared the State of Emergency.
The BASL also urged the people to remain calm and act with responsibility so that their fundamental rights that form part of their intangible heritage remain protected.
“We appeal to all parties in both government and the opposition to recognize the grave crisis that the country is facing and the urgent need to resolve the political impasse in the country,” the BASL statement added.
