Sri Lanka court convicts 2022 protest activists for murder

In a significant ruling, a Sri Lankan high court in Gampaha has convicted 12 out of 16 activists involved in a protest-related murder case from 2022, issuing death sentences in a contentious split decision. The case has drawn considerable attention, reflecting the ongoing tensions surrounding political activism in Sri Lanka, especially following widespread protests against the government's handling of the economic crisis. The court's decision comes amid a backdrop of increased scrutiny over state responses to public dissent. In contrast to the death sentences, four other suspects received suspended prison terms, highlighting a division in the court's stance on accountability and punishment. The protests that led to these convictions were part of broader anti-government demonstrations that erupted across the nation, as citizens voiced their frustrations over soaring inflation and shortages of essential goods. This ruling is poised to spark further debate over the appropriateness of the death penalty and the treatment of political activists in Sri Lanka, where the legal system has often been accused of bias against dissenters.