Dear Friends
Update on Tony Fernando’s case: Select Committee of Parliament- on Contempt of Court Law
We are pleased to be able to give you some good news surrounding the case of Mr Michael Anthony Emmanuel Fernando (‘Tony’).
A Select Committee has been appointed to inquire into, and report on, the law relating to Contempt of Court and make recommendations regarding the codification of the existing law. This follows a massive protest that arose as a result of the imprisonment of Michael Anthony Emmanuel Fernando (Tony) for contempt of court. This imprisonment was condemned by the UN Rappoteur on Independence of Judges and Lawyers. Ms. Dato’ Param Cumaraswamy said it was an act of injustice by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka; and further stated that the judgement was fundamentally flawed.
The wording of an advertisement which was published in the newspapers, inviting written or oral submissions, is given below. We urge all human rights organizations, lawyers and other interested persons and groups to avail themselves of this opportunity and to make their submissions.
Newspaper Advertisement
A Select Committee of Parliament be appointed to inquire into, and report on, the law relating to Contempt of Court and make recommendations regarding the codification of the existing law.
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A select Committee of Parliament under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Lakshman Kadiragamar has been appointed to look into, and report on, the law relating to Contempt of Court, and make recommendations regarding the codification of the existing law.
The Select Committee will entertain written public representations on this subject from interested parties within 30 days of the date hereof.
Those interested in making oral representations before the Committee may contact the undersigned within 30 days from the date hereof.
The Secretary,
Select Committee of the Parliament on the Codification of the Law relating to Contempt of Court,
Committee Office,
Parliament of Sri Lanka,
Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte.
14th July 2003.
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Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission
