The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was enacted in 1978 as a temporary measure (initially only for 3 years) but was made permanent in 1982. It introduced offences previously not present in the ordinary law which were and are being abused with serious human rights implications for the nearly half century in which it has been in operation. Most noticeably, section 2(1)(h)1 has been severely misused to crush legitimate dissent and target human rights activists, journalists and politicians.
CPA Comms Officer on 4 February, 2026