Statement from MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan on the arrest of students in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
2012 12 14 - Statements
Recently, the Sri Lankan government arrested and detained students without cause following a silent protest after security forces broke up a lamp lighting ceremony at a women`s hostel at Jaffna University. The students, protesting against the lack of freedom of expression, were attacked and beaten by officers, with at least 20 undergraduate students suffering injuries.This clear assault on freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and breach of human rights is completely unacceptable. The Sri Lankan Government must uphold the right to freedom of expression, stop attacks by security forces on students, and release P. Tharshananth, Sanmugam Solaman, Kanesamoorthy Sutharsan and K. Jenemajeyamenan.
It saddens me to see the continued oppression of Tamils in Sri Lanka and it serves as a continued reminder of the work to be done to achieve equal rights under the current government.
In Canada, our government must work with our partners in the international community to pressure the Sri Lankan Government to improve its treatment of Tamils and bring those responsible for this violation of human rights to justice. Holding individuals without charging them, along with having no clear evidence linking them to any alleged crime is inexcusable.
In Canada, our government must work with our partners in the international community to pressure the Sri Lankan Government to improve its treatment of Tamils and bring those responsible for this violation of human rights to justice. Holding individuals without charging them, along with having no clear evidence linking them to any alleged crime is inexcusable.
The Sri Lankan Government must be told that Canada and the rest of the international community will not tolerate these oppressive measures. The Canadian Government must do more to uphold human rights and democracy in Sri Lankan.
2012 12 13
The Official Opposition calls on the government of Canada to work with the international community to pressure the government of Sri Lanka to promptly release the students recently arrested in Jaffna. P. Tharshananth, Sanmugam Solaman, Kanesamoorthy Sutharsan and K. Jenemajeyamenan were arrested without warrants, and in the absence of clear evidence linking them to any alleged crime.
On 27 November security forces broke up a lamp lighting ceremony at the women’s hostel at Jaffna University, reportedly breaking lamps, threatening students and pointing weapons at them. The following day students responded with a silent protest and short march and held placards denouncing the restrictions on freedom of expression. At least 20 undergraduates were injured and beaten by riot police and officers in civilian dress.
New Democrats believe that freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and the principles of fundamental justice are basic human rights. The Government of Sri Lanka must secure these rights for the entire population. The Sri Lankan Government must ensure an end to attacks by security forces against students and peaceful demonstrators and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Posted by Thavam
