Lawyers for Democracy says killings of two suspects ‘plain murder’

15 May 2021 07:10 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Lawyers for Democracy (LFD) yesterday condemned the killing of two suspects who were in police custody in two consecutive days and claimed it was plain murders.

“This is no doubt plain murder,” stated LFD, an independent organisation representing legal practitioners throughout the country and added that “it was time that action being taken to put a stop to this type of barbaric actions by the state”.

“These acts are a serious challenge to rule of law,” said in a statement signed by senior legal practitioners including Lal Wijenayake, Chandrapala Kumarage, J. C. Weliamuna, K. S. Ratnavale and Sudath Netthisinghe. On Wednesday, May 12, the attorney representing Tharaka Perera who was in police custody had informed the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) that there is a fear that his client would be killed in police custody. On the same night BASL President Saliya Pieris in writing urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandrana Wickremeratne to ensure the safety and security of persons in police custody.

The same day, the suspect’s attorney himself too had informed the IGP, the Director CID and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka about the fear of his client’s life. However, on Thursday (13) morning, the Police announced that Tharaka Perera had been killed due to an incident that took place while he was taken for a search operation.

On May 11, another suspect Melon Mabula alias ‘Uru Juwa’ has died in the similar manner while in police custody.

“These were the latest cases to be reported of persons in police custody being killed after this government came to power. It is strange to see the police relating similar stories unashamedly after every such killing,” accused LFD in its statement. The body of lawyers also complained that judicial actions were not taken on these killings.“we do not see any action being taken by the Magistrate’s Court that has to hold an inquiry under the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure when such murders are reported to Court,” it stated.

LFD urged the government to investigate the killings in police custody and to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against those responsible.

The BASL strongly condemned the killing of the suspect despite prior notification to the head of police and claimed that “these deaths have all the hallmarks of extra-judicial killings”.(SUSITHA FERNANDO)

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Comments - 18

Vernon Saturday, 15 May 2021 07:39 AM

What has democracy achieved all these years? We are worse than we were. Democracy has only benefitted the lawyers.

mahi Saturday, 15 May 2021 08:19 AM

If such killing happening in every day, why should have courts in this country ?

VJ Saturday, 15 May 2021 08:33 AM

How could they investigate themselves?

Kollo wasai Saturday, 15 May 2021 09:32 AM

Sri Lankan’s have voted out democracy and chosen communism.

R. Ramanayake Saturday, 15 May 2021 10:20 AM

SL Law itself is answerable for all this crimes controlled by politics to safeguard the Royal Crimes.

Kumaran, Wattala Saturday, 15 May 2021 10:20 AM

What about the murders these two committed. Whi is going to speak about those victims. If prosecuted legally it will take years and murderers can escape with the help of.a.smart lawyer or political influence.

vince Saturday, 15 May 2021 12:31 PM

So LFD, tell us this. The deaths that these committed were an accident thta is not murder. Who are these no-gooders trying to fool. There bread and butter with cream are at stake when these scum are no longer a threat to people.

ravin Saturday, 15 May 2021 12:43 PM

Legal professional also must take part blame of this killing. By knowingly turn the truth ( heart in heart) and giving different version in court of law and encouraging those criminals to continue there nefarious life in civilised society.

Peacemaker Saturday, 15 May 2021 12:51 PM

Dailymirror is trying to wash rajapaksa balls by not publishing the news about army’s destruction of people’s war memorial in Mullaitivu

Pantha Kumara Saturday, 15 May 2021 12:53 PM

There is no justice in our country. The dictator is continuing his game. He did this to the Tamils now to us.

lanka peiris Saturday, 15 May 2021 01:55 PM

Lawyers are the biggest crooks in the land. They have no morality. They will lick the backside of murderers, drug merchants or anyone for money. Ordinary client cases are post phoned for years so that they earn a regular income.

Ara Saturday, 15 May 2021 02:00 PM

Like in India, the any court can come forward itself and proceed inquiries for upholding democracy. But the main defect, all judges are in big fear to take stern action like india

dickie bird Saturday, 15 May 2021 02:25 PM

Lawyers of Democracy feeling the pinch on their wallets. For these VULTURES any Carcass is good enough prey to make easy money from ill gotten wealth. 3 down a few more to go after Ramazan ???? What justice for these criminals.

Aney Manda Saturday, 15 May 2021 02:56 PM

These two were gangsters, drug dealers and ruthless killers. There were many victims of their crimes.What does the Victims of Democratic Rights saying.

Jeevaratne Hule Saturday, 15 May 2021 02:57 PM

Yahapaluwas talk of democracy, rule of law, accountability as slogans and if they did what they were suppose to achieve, how come they were rejected and the 2015 regime was voted back in comprehensively.

roni Saturday, 15 May 2021 03:31 PM

You guys Lawyers for Democracy must be CRACY if you think that such a system exists.

Podihami fernando Saturday, 15 May 2021 03:46 PM

Daily mirror editor Also vesike putha Why Rajapakse family

Anuradha Sunday, 16 May 2021 08:10 AM

Yes. Next time police need to make sure these thugs dissapear before being arrested

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Lawyers for Democracy says killings of two suspects ‘plain murder’

Comments - 18

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