Saturday, May 4, 2013

Canada Urges Immediate Release of Azad Sally

May 3, 2013 - Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:

“Canada condemns the arrest of Azad Sally, leader of Sri Lanka’s newly formed Muslim Tamil National Alliance. Mr. Sally was reportedly taken into custody by Sri Lankan authorities on May 2.

“We call for Mr. Sally’s immediate release. We understand his arrest is likely motivated by his work on human rights, in particular his defence of religious freedom, including the right of religious communities to practise their faith in Sri Lanka without fear of reprisals.

“This latest action by the authorities suggests strongly that those who dare to criticize the Government of Sri Lanka can face consequences such as imprisonment.

“Canada will continue to stand by all those who courageously speak out against egregious violations of human rights and freedom of religion.”

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

613-995-1874

Canada Urges Immediate Release of Azath Salley

May 4, 2013 |

“Canada condemns the arrest of Azath Salley, leader of Sri Lanka’s newly formed Muslim Tamil National Alliance. Mr. Salley was reportedly taken into custody by Sri Lankan authorities on May 2.Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, today issued the following statement:

Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom

“We call for Mr. Salley’s immediate release. We understand his arrest is likely motivated by his work on human rights, in particular his defence of religious freedom, including the right of religious communities to practise their faith in Sri Lanka without fear of reprisals.

“This latest action by the authorities suggests strongly that those who dare to criticize the Government of Sri Lanka can face consequences such as imprisonment.

“Canada will continue to stand by all those who courageously speak out against egregious violations of human rights and freedom of religion.”

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874