[RE: UP-76-2004: SRI LANKA: Gerald Perera died after gunshot; His family needs urgent protection, UP-74-2004: SRI LANKA: No action from the government to protect torture victim even after attempt on his life, UA-157-2004: SRI LANKA: Torture victim pursuing criminal torture case shot; UP-47-2002 (RE: UA/18 and 19/2002 – Torture by police, impunity and denial of proper rehabilitation; UP-44-2002 (RE: UA/18 and 19/2002 – Torture by police, impunity, denial of proper rehabilitation]
Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is pleased to inform you that the assassin of Gerald Perera was arrested by the police on 5 February 2005.
According to the letter of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) dated 14 February 2005 to the AHRC, the CID arrested Gerald Perera’s assassin, Polwatta Ratubaduge Ajiith Wishantna, on February 5 and remanded him for an identification parade. We also confirmed that yesterday the assassin was identified by witnesses during an identification parade.
The non-summary inquiry into the Gerald Perera’s murder is under process at the Wattala Magistrate’s Court (Case bearing no. NSB1781/04). Among the seven police officers who were accused of the torture of Gerald Perera in 2002, three suspects, namely D.P. Chandimal Amarakoon (January 5), Pradeep Kimar (January 7) and H.A. Asela Kumara Herath (January 11) made statements to the Wattala Magistrate’s Court.
In their statements, they admitted that they involved in killing Gerald due to the fear that they may have had to go to jail if he had given evidence on 2 December 2004 in the Negombo High Court.
The AHRC has previously reported that the CID arrested and detained Suresh Gunasena, Sub Inspector (S.I.) of the Wattala Police Station, as a prime suspect who masterminded Gerlad’s murder. We also reported that S.I. Suresh Gunasena, Police Constable 38237, Nalin Jayasinghe and Perera, Police Constable 9197, who were indicted under the Torture (CAT) Act of Sri Lanka (Act No. 22 of 1994) for the torture of Gerald, were interdicted and transferred out of the station they were serving. Furthermore, Sena Suraweera, the Officer in Charge (O.I.C.) of the Wattala Police Station was removed from his post and transferred to another police station as a supernumerary officer. (See further: UP-01-2005)
Under the present circumstances, the security of Gerald Perera’s family is paramount. The fact that she is giving evidence at Wattala Magistrate’s Court made Gerald Perera’s wife to fear for her (and her children’s) security. The AHRC has made earlier pleas to Sri Lankan authorities requesting them to provide security to the family. It is essential to keep pressure on this matter. It is also essential to ensure that the trial of the case of Gerald Perera’s murder be filed and heard as soon as possible. In Sri Lanka, the filing of indictments and the hearing of the cases in courts often takes a long time. During such times, families of the victims are constantly at risk.
The AHRC thanks you all for your support in Gerald’s case. Without your strong support in this case, nothing would have happened to redress the victim’s family. We urge you to continue writing and making your voices heard.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please send a letter to the Attorney General of Sri Lanka to indict the accused for the murder of Gerald Perera and speed up the trial.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Mr. Kamalasabesan,
Re: Arrest of the assassin of Gerald Perera; Indictment of the accused and speedy trial are required
I sincerely congratulate the Sri Lankan authorizes for promptly inquiring into the murder of a torture victim Gerald Perera and arresting the assassin and several suspects who masterminded Gerlad's murder. This was a gruesome murder that has had a chilling effect on all who complain against crimes and gross abuses of rights.
Accordingly, I urge that the indictments in the case be filed immediately and the trial be heard as soon as possible. In Sri Lanka, the filing of indictments and the hearing of the cases in courts often takes a long time. Such delay is harmful to the victim's family and I understand that the widow of the victim has already complained about her family's security matter. Speedy trial will enhance the confidence of witnesses in this case and other cases. I earnestly request you to take appropriate action so that a speedy trial will be conducted in this case.
Yours truly,
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SEND A LETTER TO:
Mr. K. C. Kamalasabesan
Attorney General
Attorney General's Department
Colombo 12
SRI LANKA
Fax: +94 11 2 436 421
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
