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Two lawsuits against Gota in US

8 April 2019 10:05 pm - 16     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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On Sunday, former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was served with notice of two separate civil lawsuits against him in California, USA, over the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga as well as on behalf of a Tamil torture survivor.

According to reports, one case was filed in the courts of Los Angeles, California, by Ahimsa Wickremetunga - the daughter of the slain editor Lasantha - requesting a jury trial and compensation. The second case was filed by the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) and the American law firm Hausfield on behalf of Tamil torture survivor Roy Samathanam.

“Notice was formally served on Mr. Rajapaksa on Sunday night at a Trader Joe’s parking lot in Pasadena. This was after the ITJP and Hausfeld hired private investigators to track down the whereabouts of Mr Rajapaksa who is currently on holiday in California. Notice was also served at the same time in a separate case filed by another organisation on behalf of assassinated journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga,” the ITJP said in a media release.

The statement also said that “Roy Samathanam, who is a Canadian national, was detained in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo in September 2007 by the Terrorism Investigation Division of the Sri Lanka police, who reported directly to Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Roy Samathanam was physically and psychologically tortured and forced to sign a false confession before being released in August 2010 on a plea deal and payment of a fine. In 2016, Mr. Samathanam won a UN human rights committee case but Sri Lanka has failed to abide by the compensation ruling.”

“Mr Rajapaksa has to give up his US citizenship to be able to stand in presidential elections, so this is probably the last chance for a long time to begin to hold him accountable,” said ITJP’s executive director Yasmin Sooka. “We hope other survivors of torture will join the suit and make this a class action,” the statement said quoting Sooka. (Sheain Fernandopulle)


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  Comments - 16

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  • Tamil Tuesday, 09 April 2019 12:17 AM

    I don’t believe Gota personally ordered the Terrorism Investigation Unit to torture suspects. But it is a fact that the Police Unit was made up of sadistic maniacs who who inflicted worse tortures to fellow human beings in the name of extracting information. Not Gota but these Police psychopaths,some of them now retired, should be held to account for their actions.

    Amjit Prassanna Tuesday, 09 April 2019 01:52 AM

    Sorry, now cannot give up his US Citizenship...

    Joe rajah Tuesday, 09 April 2019 02:06 AM

    Finally delayed justice. Sad we don’t have a law to kill him like he killed othets

    Boggieman Tuesday, 09 April 2019 06:05 PM

    You are a terrorist?

    Ram Tuesday, 09 April 2019 02:24 AM

    Weerawansa, shout, this is adirajya waginge balawegayak

    Edward Wani Tuesday, 09 April 2019 02:42 AM

    If this is the case people in Vetnam and Iraq can file cases against American leaders and commanders.

    rajaaaaaaa Tuesday, 09 April 2019 04:08 AM

    He has a good opportunity to prove himself that he did not violated any international law or any crimes against humanity including Lasantha's murder. We will wait and see.

    Duminda Tuesday, 09 April 2019 04:21 AM

    he did for the country to eradicate terrorism

    SL Tuesday, 09 April 2019 07:21 AM

    Oh Dear How afraid RW is ,applying all possible obstacles for Gota .If RW is a capable leader we do not have to stay in dark ,stay without water at homes.But it's happening now,daily !! go home Ranil

    tomsam Tuesday, 09 April 2019 07:40 AM

    Time to face the consequences for all the torture and mass murders committed under the pakse rule.

    Mm Tuesday, 09 April 2019 07:54 AM

    These people are the curse to our nation. It’s not justice they seek. They seek revenge.

    TJ Tuesday, 09 April 2019 08:15 AM

    Hope this SOB will sit on the electric chair in America. Rot in hell.

    Unchikun Tuesday, 09 April 2019 08:49 AM

    Nice. The more the jolly.

    Dulan de Silva Tuesday, 09 April 2019 09:06 AM

    At last some good new, all not lost.

    Lord Wolfstein Tuesday, 09 April 2019 09:41 AM

    The US should have this killer disappear forever in their prisons.

    Ifthikar mulafer Tuesday, 09 April 2019 12:10 PM

    Gotabaya rajapaksa should pay the price for the crimes he committed.once a powerful defence Secretary under dictator President mahinda RAJAPAKSA


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