HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA, Annual Report 2020 carried out in a discriminatory manner. It therefore, recommended the IGP to review the legal bases for recent arrests for misinformation to ensure that due process requirements are complied with and also ensure that any future arrests are strictly within the law. The Commission commenting on the warning issued by the Police Media Division to media institutions that legal action would be taken against those who criticize officials, stated that the said warning is deep concerning as it is bound to have a serious chilling effect on people’s freedom of expression. Therefore, the Commission pointed out that any arrest for the mere criticism of public officials or policies would be unconstitutional. Further, in relation to curbing hate speech, the letter pointed out that it is essential to ensure that Section 3 of the ICCPR Act is invoked in a non-discriminatory manner providing protection to all communities.  Escalation of deaths of persons in police custody HRCSL observed an escalation of deaths of suspects while in police custody. The Commission exercising its suo motu powers directed the IGP to submit a comprehensive report explaining his observations regarding this matter by way of letter dated 21.10.2020. The Commission also highlighted the fact that the HRCSL is statutorily empowered to make recommendations regarding the wellbeing of detainees in custody. The suo motu inquiry into this matter continues.  Request to ensure the security of a remandee The Commission wrote to the Commissioner General of Prisons by letter dated 10.11.2020 requesting the prison authorities to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of remandee Fathima Sadiya. This letter was written pursuant multiple complaints the Commission received alleging that Ms. Sadiya’s life was at risk after she gave evidence at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on the Easter Sunday attack. Fathima Sadiya is the wife of Sahran Hashim. HRCSL also requested the Department of Prisons (DoP) to inform the Commission of the whereabouts and the authority temporarily in charge of Ms. Sadiya after she was transferred to a treatment facility outside the prison for treatment after contracting COVID-19. The 29