What options are left to defend ourselves?

30 March 2021 10:17 pm - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Any person being detained or arrested by a policeman, only has the right to self-defence, if the person feels the policeman is using excessive force even though he was not resisting an arrest, police said.

Following the incident at Pannipitiya where a lorry driver was beaten up by a traffic policeman following an accident, many questioned as to what options they would have if they become a victim of police atrocity.

It also is important to consider the options available to civilians who are on the scene and witnessing the action by policemen.

When the Daily Mirror contacted Police Media Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana, he said the police could use force if a person is wanted over a crime or other similar offences when he/she resists arrest.

Also, the police could use force if a person attempts to escape from the police grip or refuses to obey the policemen who are performing their duties.

According to the Penal Code Ordinance, section 89 to 99 states the right of private defence.

However, a civilian cannot act against a state officer under the sections of the private defence, a senior police officer said.

Accordingly, a civilian can only defend him or herself, if he/she feels that the behaviour of such policeman would cause death to him/her.

If a person attempts to defend him or herself or react in a manner that could obstruct the duty of a policeman, he could be charged for obstructing the policeman's duty.

The civilian could take action against the policeman through the Human Right Commission, or by filing an FR petition in the Supreme Court, or lodge a complaint with the senior officers or file a criminal case in the court.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

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Comments - 8

roni Tuesday, 30 March 2021 10:43 PM

See the rules and laws applicable in Burma and if they are mirrored here.

warren Wednesday, 31 March 2021 06:12 AM

Why do we need options in the first place? 6.9 million wise voters of wanted Hitler's rule in Sri Lanka. So, now they are getting it. So please do NOT look for any options; sit and enjoy the dividends you get!

Peacemaker Wednesday, 31 March 2021 06:35 AM

This is what happens empty brains like nandasena and weerasekara are responsible for police

Era Wednesday, 31 March 2021 07:28 AM

Chase this man out without pension.

Wonder of Buddhist Asia Wednesday, 31 March 2021 10:48 AM

Mr Roni - you are correct - after all we Buddhists need follow what other Buddhist countries do

mahi Wednesday, 31 March 2021 11:10 AM

Not only this guy, pl check others in the deportment behave similar manner who are not suitable to the public service.

Kingsley Wijesinhe Wednesday, 31 March 2021 11:28 AM

It has been said that every country gets the government it deserves. 6.9 million voters have got what they deserved. The sad thing is that the other 15.1 million people in this country have got what they did not deserve.

Leo Wednesday, 31 March 2021 02:07 PM

Sit back and enjoy. The rule of the family.

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What options are left to defend ourselves?

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