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Sri Lanka, all talk no action on repealing PTA: HRW

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29 January 2018 04:07 pm - 8     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Sri Lankan government has failed to fulfill its pledge to abolish the ‘abusive’ Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the Human Rights Watch (HRW) said today.

In a 46-page report, it said the PTA has been used for decades to arbitrarily detain suspects for months and often years without charge or trial, facilitating torture, and other abuse.

“The Sri Lankan government has been all talk and no action on repealing the reviled PTA. Replacing this draconian counterterrorism law with one that meets international standards should be an urgent priority if the government is serious about protecting human rights” HRW Asia DirectorBrad Adams said.

The report titled, “Locked Up Without Evidence: Abuses under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act,” has documented previous and ongoing abuses committed under the PTA, including torture and sexual abuse, forced confessions, and systematic denials of due process.

Drawing on interviews with former detainees, family members, and lawyers working on PTA cases, the HRW has found that the PTA is a significant contributing factor toward the persistence of torture in Sri Lanka.

“The 17 accounts documented in the report represent only a tiny fraction of PTA cases overall, but they underscore the law’s draconian nature and abusive implementation,” the HRW said.


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  Comments - 8

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  • Sunil Monday, 29 January 2018 04:46 PM

    All talk no action against the Rajapaksas and their criminal network too!?

    Unchikun Monday, 29 January 2018 05:11 PM

    I am sorry, but Sri Lanka is a all talk no action nation. It is not limited to the PTA. This is Sri Lanka culture which some are proud of.

    mk Monday, 29 January 2018 06:08 PM

    HRU, have you read the Afghan War Diary?

    MR Marcan Vasagan Monday, 29 January 2018 07:01 PM

    HRW HAS NO POWER OVER SL. ITS WASTING ITS TIME AND MONEY. PTA WILL NEVER BE REMOVED. IT WILL BE A MIRACLE IF ITS REPLACED. Jailor

    Neo Monday, 29 January 2018 07:32 PM

    Anti-Terrorism laws were introduced to protect our citizen from future terrorist activities. Why should we repeal it?

    Nish Monday, 29 January 2018 07:33 PM

    We are concerned with lack of development in the country while the world is moving towards AI, robotics etc. These bloody foreigners are concerned about terrorism laws.

    Don Juan Tuesday, 30 January 2018 11:47 AM

    HRW has to wait, wait and wait. Bank Ki Moon did it.

    lanka Tuesday, 30 January 2018 02:53 PM

    This blooming NGO HRW should not waste it's time about internal affairs of Sri Lanka.


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