Didn’t request to block protest; police prevented it due to COVID-19 restrictions: US Embassy

9 June 2020 08:36 pm - 4 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The US Embassy said today that it did not request that the proposed demonstration near the embassy be blocked and that it has been denied by the police due to COVID-19 restrictions in Sri Lanka.

In a tweet, US Ambassador Alaina Teplitz said, “Rights to peaceful assembly and free speech are cornerstones of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - rights the US supports even when difficult for us. Today’s proposed demonstration in front of our Embassy was denied by Sri Lankan Police due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings.

We welcome discussion on minority rights, equal protection under law, and security service accountability. But let’s do so in safe ways until there’s less to worry about from COVID-19.”

Meanwhile, the Embassy said US supports rights of Sri Lankans and all people to peaceful protest which is consistent with their shared democratic traditions.

“We are aware that Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court issued an order blocking a demonstration near the US Embassy scheduled for today. The US Embassy did not request that the demonstration be blocked.

As always, we appreciate the efforts undertaken by the Government of Sri Lanka and local law enforcement to keep diplomatic personnel and facilities in the country safe and their continued efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 by requiring masks, limiting the size of public gatherings and other measures,” it said.

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Comments - 4

Don Wednesday, 10 June 2020 11:45 AM

Alaina Teplitz should be replaced soon. Where ever she was based there had been traces of unidentified moves to destabilise the based country government policis. The acts are typical of American bully boy tactics certainly should not be tolerated by the Asian subcontinent.

Martin Milton Wednesday, 10 June 2020 05:58 PM

This is a joke! Then what about the flagrant and open violation of Covid-19 safety regulations right in front of the Police at Mr Thondaman's funeral?? Beating up and arrest of peaceful demonstrators protesting about a genuine and Global cause should have never been stopped as they WERE observing the Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. It was only after the Police unnecessarily interfered that the entire peaceful demonstration became a total mess. The Police could have helped them to get into line and strictly observe the guidelines instead of brutally manhandling them including Buddhist monks and women. IT WAS AN UTTER DISGRACE. HE GOTABHAYA PLEASE TAKE NOTE AS ELECTIONS ARE IN THE OFFING. . The Police MUST learn how to be patient and support the people on legitimate and genuine matters. MM

LAW Wednesday, 10 June 2020 07:06 PM

Well, she can be what she wants to be within her own premises. What we require to understand is that the Sri Lankan government lacks the backbone to stand up to the peaceful demonstration. When the purpose was to stand in solidarity with the world community. What we witness was police brutality on the protesting public. The very institution that is established to safeguard the peace of the public promotes violence. Yet non of the protesters reacted to the brutality of the police. Therefore it is beyond doubt that the protest was to be peaceful. The mistake is with the police not understanding how to conduct themselves in handling peaceful demonstrations.

Sa Wednesday, 10 June 2020 09:53 PM

If protest is against that rude diplomat who forcibly entered tje country, he may have corona positive, so,that's acceptable, but regarding Gorge Foyed 's murder they do it very vibrantly,your presence won't make amy difference

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Didn’t request to block protest; police prevented it due to COVID-19 restrictions: US Embassy

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