Criminalising Dissent

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act not only criminalises the fundamental right to association but also dilutes the distinction between political dissent and criminal activity by criminalising dissident voices and acts. In the process, political dissent suffers major delegitimisation since particular ideologies, groups and beliefs are rendered criminal. This engenders a culture of political witch-hunts where selected organisations that question the legitimacy of the State and the ruling classes are outlawed.