4,000 Tamils protest in Geneva for SL war crimes probe

11 March 2014 02:38 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Thousands of Tamils demonstrated in Geneva on Monday to protest Sri Lanka's rejection of calls for an international probe into alleged war crimes at the end of its civil war.

Some 4,000 people, who had come from across Europe by bus and train, marched through Geneva and crowded into the square outside the United Nations' European headquarters, according to Geneva police.

The demonstrators blocked traffic through the centre of town and around the central Place des Nations, and police were forced to use pepper spray to contain the situation when protestors began pressing against the security barriers around the United Nations, police spokesman Silvain Guillaume-Gentil told AFP.

They waved red and yellow Tamil Tiger flags, posters demanding "Justice", and pictures showing victims of the alleged war crimes committed during the final stages of Sri Lanka's civil war between Tamil secessionists and the state.

The demonstration came during a key annual session of the UN Human Rights Council, which later this month will be asked to consider a US-led draft resolution calling for an international investigation into allegations that up to 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed after government forces ordered them into a no-fire zone in 2009.

Colombo has flatly rejected the draft resolution and the report by UN chief Navi Pillay on which it was based as an "unwarranted interference", and President Mahinda Rajapakse has accused Washington of treating Colombo like Muhammad Ali's "punching bag".

Sri Lanka has previously said it needs more time to address issues of accountability and reconciliation after ending the 37-year conflict, which according to UN estimates claimed at least 100,000 lives. (Source: AFP)

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Comments - 14

nicky karunarathna Tuesday, 11 March 2014 03:19 AM

mass murderers now going on rallies and protest marches asking for justice when their brutal murderous adventure stoped by the present most humane government, who allow Tamils live with dignity and also prevented these barbarians kidnapping very young children for their macabre cause. What they want is Tamil children in SL to carry AK47 with cyanide pill hanging in their necks to die as cannon fodder and see entire country engulf in war and fear for life. Thirty long years they did that without any protest - mind you! They can fool worshipers of donkey rode middle eastern God biz believers as they do not have brain inside their skulls but inhumane cruelty to fellow human beings what they preach and practice.

Suq Madique Tuesday, 11 March 2014 03:26 AM

How many of these protesters fled to escape the tigers? Did they campaign as vigorously when tamils were being murdered by prabakaran?

ram Tuesday, 11 March 2014 03:27 AM

Yes very good intelligent smart move.
“The Tamil people of Sri Lanka need a way forward from the trauma of the civil war and needed International justice . Ram-Batticaloa.

Ranjith Seneviratne Tuesday, 11 March 2014 05:34 AM

We should support the Tamils in Geneva to oust this govt who has damage the reputation of this country.

Chill Tuesday, 11 March 2014 05:48 AM

Tamil terrorists attack Geneva? How soon before the bombs start exploding in Europe?

mack Tuesday, 11 March 2014 12:08 PM

nicky SL war crimes are no secret to the international community.those little short films done by channel 4 are a product of your own govt and forces.go figure via DM Android App

Fuzzy Tuesday, 11 March 2014 12:51 PM

So carrying flags of a terrorist group and blocking traffic is legal in Geneva. Their documents should be cancelled and sent back to Sri lanka. via DM Android App

Citizen Tuesday, 11 March 2014 01:14 PM

More terrorist at the UN entrance.. Sorry for asking if bin ladens supporters comes to UN asking for justice will they be treated the same way..? muslims wit beard n caps are terrorist.. but not the ppl who support LTTE.. USA and other countries killing mass amount of innocents its not called war crime but what srilanka did is a war crime.. UN go fish.. Tamils in srilanka was suffering including their children without education or proper life, they were trained as sucide bombers, some gave up their life for no reason.. but ppl those who are protesting today and were sponsering LTTE terrorisom they had an awesome life their children have education, they speak english with an accent.. they had friends a good life etc.. same as the LTTE leader prabakaran he gave his children a good life but not for the other ltte kids.. treated unfair... via DM Android App

realist Tuesday, 11 March 2014 07:45 AM

It is not just to speak ill of Tamils because of Prabakaran. Hate Germans b'cos of Hitler?

ABC Tuesday, 11 March 2014 01:40 PM

Asking justice waving Tiger flags! That explains everything. via DM Android App

ABC Tuesday, 11 March 2014 01:40 PM

They all should be arrested and prosecute for supporting terrorism first. via DM Android App

sootikka Tuesday, 11 March 2014 02:13 PM

Ask the protestors to come to colombo or jaffna

Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 12 March 2014 12:06 AM

Only solution to this problem is "implementing" LLRC report.

M.V.R.Perera Wednesday, 12 March 2014 10:01 AM

If any one wants to oust the Sri lankan government it can only be done by the citizens of Sri lanka not by terrorist from Geneva

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4,000 Tamils protest in Geneva for SL war crimes probe

Comments - 14

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