Regarding our previous appeal on the case of missing after 8 days of illegal detention in police custody in Sri Lanka (see at http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2003/394/), the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has been informed that the victim, KORALAGAMAGE Sujith Dharmasiri (23) was produced before a magistrate after frantic search by parents, a human rights organization and many well wishes. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also intervened on his behalf.
According to the family, the victim has been kept somewhere outside the police station. Which keeping there he was taken to doctor and attempt has been made to get a medical report to the effect that there are no injuries on the body of the victim. However, victim has intervened and said he was assaulted severely. What the doctor did thereafter is not clear.
Later, according to the mother of the victim, Peduruarrachige Piyaseeli (53), the victim was produced before the magistrate and application was made by police to the effect that victim is needed for identification parade and therefore should be remand. The magistrate did not have the occasion to see the victim or to question him.
The magistrate made an order to remand the victim till Jan. 20, 2003.
The family strongly believes that police officers are doing all these avoid the victim getting medical attention and medical report on injuries.
The family is in bewildered state and seeking help from human rights activists to pursue their claims. They are also afraid of the health of the victim.
You are urged to continue to write to Sri Lankan authorities to conduct inquiry into all aspects of this case, particularly against torture, prolonged illegal detention and blatant attempt to obstruct justice.
Thank you for your action.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission
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