Court blocks Tamil deportations from UK

28 February 2013 03:52 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The High Court in London has blocked the deportation of a group of failed Tamil asylum seekers scheduled to be sent back to Sri Lanka on Thursday.

The ruling means they will be able to remain in the UK pending investigations into their contention that they will be tortured if they are made to return.

The UK Border Agency told the BBC that it was "disappointed" by the ruling, and that it would appeal.

Human rights groups say some Tamils sent back earlier had been tortured.

They say that in some cases they were subjected to abuse because of their alleged links to separatist Tamil Tiger rebels. The Sri Lankan government denies this.

Sri Lanka's civil war came to an end in 2009, after 26 years of conflict and up to 100,000 casualties as the Tamil Tigers fought for independence.
'Fallen prey to lies'

It is believed to be the first time that a UK courts has blocked the deportation of a group of Tamils to Sri Lanka, although many individuals over the last 18 months have won last-minute court injunctions preventing their return.

In a statement released late on Wednesday, the Border Agency said the ruling did "not represent a blanket ban on returns to Sri Lanka".
File photo of Sri Lankan troops (24 April 2009) Human Rights Watch want security force members to be held criminally liable for abuses

However lawyers for Tamils under threat of deportation insist that it has wider implications, because it applies to all other failed Tamil asylum seekers - including those in detention - meaning none can be removed at present.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has accused the Sri Lankan government of abuses, including killing former Tamil Tigers and political opponents.

On Wednesday, Sri Lankan envoy Mahinda Samarasinghe accused Ms Pillay of bias in a speech to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Mr Samarasinghe said his country had "fallen prey to lies" spread by former rebels.

Correspondents say his criticisms reflect government sensitivities over Sri Lanka's rights record ahead of Colombo hosting a summit of British Commonwealth countries in November. Campaigners are calling for it to be boycotted.

On Tuesday Human Rights Watch, a New York-based organisation, accused Sri Lankan security forces of committing crimes of sexual violence against ethnic Tamils in custody.

Sri Lanka's government also dismissed the report as "lies". (BBC)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 10

Dera Thursday, 28 February 2013 04:28 AM

And tomorrow the headlines of London newspapers will say, an impeachment against the CJ of UK is being brought up

Anura Thursday, 28 February 2013 12:00 AM

In few years headlines would read, LTTE establishes Eelam in UK. I won't be surprised at all. The way controlling certain areas here in UK, is very scary. via DM Android App

OMG Thursday, 28 February 2013 05:31 AM

This is what LTTE was trying to achieve through their baby BBS.

Terrance Thursday, 28 February 2013 05:58 AM

Uk is not Srilanka, these impeachment stories only in Srilanka under thugs rule not in uk or in europe

John Thursday, 28 February 2013 06:31 AM

......or any civilized democracies.

RAM Thursday, 28 February 2013 07:49 AM

UK gov depends very much on the vote of diaspora to stay in power. There are many of them holding positions in councils and other gov instutions. Most of these asylum seekers are seeking asylum on fabricated stories claiming political asylum just to remain in UK. I was there in uk for 2 years and how they claim asylum is pathic some pour kaju Kiri and claim to have been tortured. Not only tamil even sinhalese do the same. This is one of the reason why the world look so down on us when it come to human rights. Actually it is better off for us to have these people in UK than deporting to SL. They are the traitors. Selling the motherland for their own sake and does not even bother to think of whhat will happen to us here in SL. UK keep them there, they will help you to grow your economy

Sonali De Silva Thursday, 28 February 2013 10:32 AM

Ram is spot on. Please don't send them back. We can do without them.

USA Thursday, 28 February 2013 01:15 PM

yes, we can see how u doing now..

Gabo Singho Thursday, 28 February 2013 06:47 PM

We do not need these traitors back in our country. The UK is the cess pool of asylum seekers. The British public are fed up of all these asylum seekers. Its greedy lawyers who are doing all this. The British public too hate the Tamils. I was there very recently and I saw with my own eyes the disgust they feel towards the tamils who have lowered the living standards of many parts where tamils are living.

Nodrog Friday, 01 March 2013 05:08 AM

The tamil vote-base is offered to UK and Canadian MPs who will fight for these so-called refugees. Its not a question of human rights but their own political survival.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Court blocks Tamil deportations from UK

Comments - 10

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

New Visa procedure implemented

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident