Arrest of HRDs in Sri Lanka:Repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) ; Charge or release all others
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| HC Navi Pillay is being welcomed by Vibhushika Palendran (13), (right) who was arressed withher mother HRD Jayakumari |
19th March, 2014
Statement condemning the arbitrary arrest and detention of Human Rights Defenders, Ruki Fernando, Father Praveen Mahesan, victims and their families
We, the undersigned welcome the release of prominent Sri Lankan Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Ruki Fernando and Fr. Praveen Mahesan on 19th March 2014. We however strongly condemn their arbitrary arrest and detention by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) in Kilinochchi (Northern Province) on 16th March 2014. We also note, that this release was an exception to the general pattern, and was only made possible by sustained pressure and efforts by a wide range of individuals, organizations and Governments advocating with the Sri Lankan Government to secure their release.
