SRI LANKA: Torture and Illegal Detention; Police Hit Man with Iron Bars
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NAME of the Victim: K.T.Kumarasinghe, alias Sunil.
ADDRESS: No. 140, Kadanhena, Gallalla.
AGE: 33 years old.
OCCUPATION: Sri Lankan Army.
DATE ARRESTED: 01/04/2003 at the above address at 20.40 hours.
ALLEGED REASON FOR THE ARREST: Theft.
OFFICERS WHO ARRESTED: S.I.-C.I.B. Police Station. GALAGEDARA.
POLICE STATION: GALAGEDARA.
PRESENT SITUATION:
The victim is still in the custody of police at GALAGEDARA police station. He has been assaulted severely on his feet, buttocks, and other parts of his body. He has been beaten with belts, and iron bars. He has been hung up on a beam and beaten up. [Hanging a person on a beam and beating them up is a very common method of torture in Sri Lanka and AHRC has report similar assaults in some earlier cases].
On the morning of 4th April 2003, a lawyer visited the police station and inquired about the victim. It was revealed that he had been taken out of the police station. The officer in charge of the police station admitted to Torture and justified it on the basis that that is the only way to investigate theft charges.
According to the law, the accused should have been produced before a magistrate with in twenty-four hours.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Write to the Sri Lankan authorities requesting they produce the victim immediately before the Judicial medical officer for a medical examination, and to produce him before a magistrate.
Dear—
Case of Torture of: K.T.Kumarasinghe, alias Sunil, at GALAGEDARA Police station
I have learned about the case Torture of K.T.Kumarasinghe by the Sri Lankan police. He has been detained, against the law, from 1st April up to now. It is alleged that he has been severely beaten with iron bars and belts. This is one of the many cases we have heard of Torture in Sri Lankan police stations. I request that Mr Kumarasinghe be immediately given medical treatment and submitted for a medical examination. I also urge that Mr Kumarasinghe be produced before a magistrate. I further request an inquiry into the matter and also into the frequent allegations of torture at Sri Lankan police stations. I urge the Sri Lankan authorities to take firm action, to bring the practice of torture by the perpetrators to justice under Sri Lankan law which prescribes a minimum of 7 year’s imprisonment.
Send letters to:
1. His Excellency Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
Cambridge Place
Colombo 7
SRI LANKA
SALUTATION: Hon. Prime Minister
Fax: +94 1 682905
E-mail: secpm@sltnet.lk or bradmanw@slt.lk
2. Mr. Ranjith Abeysuriya PC
Chairman
National Police Commission
2 202 MBICH,
Colombo 7
SRI LANKA
SALUTATION: Dear Commissioner
Fax: +94 1 674 148
3. Hon. Mr. K.C. Kamalasabesan
Attorney General
Attorney General’s Department
Colombo 12
SRI LANKA
SALUTATION: Dear Attorney General
Fax: +94 1 436 421
Email: attorney@sri.lanka.net or counsel@sri.lanka.net
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