SRI LANKA: A 17-year old boy is physically and sexually assaulted by intoxicated police officers at Pallama Police Station for a crime that he did not commit

July 4, 2012

SRI LANKA: A 17-year old boy is physically and sexually assaulted by intoxicated police officers at Pallama Police Station for a crime that he did not commit

ISSUES: Denial of justice; torture; impunity; rule of law 

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information that a 17-year old boy was physically and sexually assaulted by intoxicated police officers at Pallama Police Station for a crime that he did not commit. Mr. Chamara (name changed for privacy and security purposes) was accused of stealing jewelry from a neighbour. Despite repeated denials of this accusation, he was arbitrarily arrested by officers attached to the Pallama Police Station, detained and grossly assaulted, both physically and sexually. According to Mr. Chamara, the police officers who tortured him consumed liquor before and during the assault. Although Mr. Chamara has been released on bail and underwent medical treatment at Chilaw Basic Hospital, he is still suffering from the assault. His hearing has been affected, and he is unable to work. This case is yet another illustration of the exceptional collapse of the rule of law in the country.

CASE NARRATIVE:        Read More...