The anti-fake news ordinance, which was introduced without going through Parliament can overwrite existing criminal procedures and risks violating people's rights to a fair trial, said the Society for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham).

"The said Emergency Ordinance gives excessive powers to the authorities and also departs from the ordinary laws of evidence which is concerning as it violates the right to a fair trial," it said in a statement today.

The Emergency (Essential Powers) (No 2) Ordinance 2021, which came into force on March 12, provides a...