13 prisoners at risk of imminent execution: AI

14 April 2019 07:58 am - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Amnesty International (AI) Organization on Thursday said that 13 prisoners are at risk of imminent execution in Sri Lanka.

In a statement, it said after 43 years without using the death penalty, President Maithripala Sirisena is reportedly planning to execute prisoners on death row.

“There is completely secrecy around the dates and then identities of the prisoners who are expected to be imminently executed. No information about their case histories has been shared. It is unknown whether the individuals had fair trials, access to lawyers or whether they were able to engage in a meaningful clemency process. The last execution in Sri Lanka was in 1976. The year 2019 cannot be the year that we see this progress reversed,” it said.

It also said by seeking executions for drug related crimes, the death penalty in Sri Lanka is being used in circumstances that violate international law and standards.

“Executions have failed to act as a unique deterrent to crime in other countries. Executions could claim the lives of people who may have been convicted through unfair trials, and could disproportionately affect people from minority and less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds,” the AI said.

The Amnesty International also said that judicial proceedings in Sri Lanka may have not met international standards for a fair trial and resulted in the imposition of the death penalty.

“The National Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka noted on the basis of the complaints it received that torture is routinely used in all parts of the country regardless of the nature of the suspected offence for which the person is arrested. For instance, those arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of drugs, assault, treasure hunting, dispute with family/spouse, have been subjected to torture,” it said.

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Comments - 21

Niran Sunday, 14 April 2019 08:10 AM

What about USA..? They execute prisoners on a regular basis. Why AI is not coming strong on them?

Unchikun Sunday, 14 April 2019 08:17 AM

Simple solution, the EU and UK and bring in sanctions. Stop the import of tea and garments.

Aj Sunday, 14 April 2019 08:32 AM

Mind yr business seriously

ANTON Sunday, 14 April 2019 08:44 AM

WE SRILANKAN RISK HEARING DAMN LIES AND PROMISES.

BUSHEL Sunday, 14 April 2019 08:47 AM

HUTA....

Sonali Sunday, 14 April 2019 08:52 AM

The US practices death penalty throughout. How come AI is silent?

Tag Sunday, 14 April 2019 07:12 PM

They go after weak or small countries. Sri lanka Israel are always on their list. But too afraid of China USA Russia Saudi even India.

Dee Sunday, 14 April 2019 09:02 AM

Best is to set them free. They will be 'self executed' .

Mohamed Marzook Sunday, 14 April 2019 09:08 AM

first execute Qazi court judges ( some not all) and scholars ( they calle them selft - some Muslim judges ) who are holding the amendments and delaying the process by few law makers ( Muslim) has resulted many deaths in Sri Lanka( children have died without food and proper facilities because poor adjustment and taking brides from specially rich men who wants divorce their women without a reason ) . Current Marriage and divorce Law 1951 permit Muslim man to kick a woman without reason and not paying a compassion . This is burden to the whole country and impact negatively on our economy . Children come from this families go into drug business. So eliminate the root soon

Franci Sunday, 14 April 2019 07:27 PM

This happens in SriLanka? Unbievable. Then how do we call ourself a democratic socialist state? Why so called progressives like JVP silent about this Where are feminists? Human right activists.

Thushi Sunday, 14 April 2019 10:49 AM

Ruthless attempt by president Sirisena. We not elected him to kill humans.

Dee Sunday, 14 April 2019 07:47 PM

Definitely not humans. But convicted drug dealers and murders, yes. If they are human - Thushi, you go live with them.

P Thilakawardhana Sunday, 14 April 2019 12:00 PM

It is a total disgrace to the country and the nation .A predominantly Buddhist country and a president ( who I think is a Buddhist) hell bent on hanging the convicts. If the president goes ahead with this barbaric animalistic act BLOOD WILL BE ON HIS HANDS. Executing convicted prisoners will never solve the problem of criminals .What this situation need is 1 Education of youngsters from young school days. Get at the kingpins of the druggies. 3 Have a compassionate rehabilitation programme 4. Involve religeous leaders ,civic leaders ,law enforcing (the police for example ) agencies and trusting relatives, friends ,teachers etc. 5. Build TRUST 6 .Be compassionate and understanding. Hanging druggies will look like working but it is not. It will be an escalating and unending cycle . MR PRESIDENT It's you r decision now Even if one person is hanged REMEMBER BLOOD WILL BE ON YOU HANDS and you know as a Buddhist what killing ( or aiding and abetting it will get.

Patrick Jansz Sunday, 14 April 2019 12:29 PM

why dont you people just dont interefer in our judical process theese are prisnors have to pay for their heineos crimes killing or raping drug related violent crimes agaainst innocent people if you live by the sword you must die by the sword hang them high Mr.President.

Waruna Sunday, 14 April 2019 12:43 PM

AI, Please do not meddle into the internal affairs of the country. I too agree that all the judiciary procedures are not all fairgrounds. But not all cases are unfairly decided. Don't show mercy on drug dealers. See the fates of thousands of families who are affected due to this menance.

Dr. Trevor Mendis Sunday, 14 April 2019 12:49 PM

"Human behaviour is primarily controlled by it's consequences".. (Prof. Sigmund Freud). Even in USA, capital punishment is in force. I'm of the view, even in SL, death penalty is a must for drug importers, murder cases and 'terrorism' related issues to reduce the crime rate.

RD Sunday, 14 April 2019 02:06 PM

Wonder who are those 13 out of 225.

Thirdeye Sunday, 14 April 2019 04:51 PM

Amnesty international is doing a great work for defending human rights. But some times people around world accuse Amnesty International as a biased organization. Amnesty almost never open their mouth when groups like LTTE doing their atrocities against countries and their civilian populations.

Junta Sunday, 14 April 2019 07:29 PM

Pay to play?

Jaliya Sunday, 14 April 2019 08:04 PM

Thirdeye, LTTE is not a government or a leader of a legitimate group. Why should AI comment anything related to a terror group ? That's not their job.

Mushi Monday, 15 April 2019 02:35 PM

@Marzook, you seem to be a person who has not got a favorable decision for one of your personal problems. Don't try to make stupid link to national problem with Muslim Marriage law. Idiotic. Rather consider this as social menace which affects all sri lankans irrespective of race/religion

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13 prisoners at risk of imminent execution: AI

Comments - 21

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