Dear Friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is happy to learn that the Prosecution of Torture Perpetrators Unit of the Attorney General’s Department has forwarded the information provided by AHRC on the torture of H.P. Nandini S. Herat to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and asked CID to conduct a criminal investigation into the allegation. The letter from a from Attorney General Department further states that upon the completion of the criminal investigation, the investigative material will be studied in order to consider the institution of criminal proceeding against the relevant perpetrators of torture.
Nandini Sriyatha Heart had complained that several officers of Wariapola police station have tortured her and cruelly treated her sexually.
(This case is also issued by the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) on June 18, 2002 – Violence against women, LKA 180602.VAW)
Sri Lankan law relating to Torture is contained in the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel I Inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment or treatment Act (Act No.22 of 1994). This Acts has incorporated into the Sri Lankan law, the UN convention against Torture. The Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, was signed in New York on December 10, 1984: by an instrument of accession dated December 14, 1993, and deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations Organization, on January 3, 1994, Sri Lanka has acceded to this Convention: and Convention has entered into force for Sri Lanka with effect from February 2, 1994.
A person guilty of: an offence under this Act shall on conviction after trial by the High Court be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term not less than seven years and not exceeding ten years and a fine not less than ten thousand rupees and not exceeding fifty thousand rupees.
An offence under this Act shall be a cognizable offence and a non-bailable offence, within the meaning, and for the purposes, of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No.15 of 1979.
The Prosecution of Torture Perpetrators Unit functions under the Attorney General Department and has instituted criminal actions against several officers who is alleged to have committed offences under this Act.
AHRC has consistently expressed view that strict enforcement of this act can lead to enhancing discipline in the police, provide justice to victims of torture and strengthen rule of law in the country
Thank you for your attention.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission
