Sri Lanka, Sept. 10 -- Sri Lanka appears to have developed an unhealthy habit of turning matters before the courts into political battles on social media. Depending on their political loyalties, people openly take sides-some defending the accused while others condemn them even before the courts have reached a decision.
This is deeply concerning. A courtroom should not have a parallel courtroom on social media. When a matter is sub judice, public commentary that seeks to influence opinion or prejudge the outcome can undermine confidence in the administration of justice.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but it must be exercised responsibly. Political allegiance should never determine whether we respect the independence and auth...