– Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara today rejected social media claims that the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill would allow authorities to arrest individuals simply for having tattoos or long hair, saying the relevant provisions apply only to those linked to known organized criminal gangs.Speaking in Parliament, the Minister said 12 criteria would be considered when determining whether a person belongs to an underworld or criminal group. These include the use of clothing, fashion, hand signals, language or tattoos associated with prominent members of an organized criminal group.He said the provision was modelled on Singapore’s Organized Crime Act and reflected an internationally accepted definition.

“Creating fear among the public by claiming that growing long hair could lead to arrest, that having a tattoo is a crime, or that wearing certain clothing could result in arrest and prolonged detention is completely false and misleading,” he said.The Minister said the Government was introducing the legislation to safeguard national security, protect the public and curb organized criminal activities.