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Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem said today he would consider appealing to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to pardon former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka if such a request was made by Mr. Fonseka’s family members.
Mr. Hakeem told parliament a procedure had to be followed in securing a pardon for Mr. Fonseka.
“For me to act in this regard, a request should be made by his family members If such a request is made, I will definitely consider it,” he said.
The minister was responding to United National Party (UNP) MP Lakshman Kiriella who asked Mr. Hakeem to request the President to do so.
Mr. Kiriella said Mr. Fonseka led the military to a crushing defeat of the LTTE but today he was a political prisoner. He said the entire world acknowledged that Mr. Fonseka was a political prisoner.
At this stage Mr. Kiriella was heckled by some ruling party members including deputy minister Lalith Dissanayake. They referred to a statement made by Mr. Kiriella during the conflict that any fool could wage war.
Mr. Kiriella responded saying the government had been accused of war crimes today because the war was waged in a foolish manner.
“You have to face war crime allegations since you waged war in a foolish manner. Had it been carried out in the proper manner, such international allegations could have been avoided,” he said.
UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said the prison ordinance did not provide for the detention of a former Army Commander as a political prisoner. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)
Bala Saturday, 10 December 2011 08:46 AM
President should beg his pardon for all these mess created in his life !
2 33
Sue Saturday, 10 December 2011 09:51 AM
No way Mr.Hakeem. Your intentions maybe good; but this is exactly what the President wants, for SF to go down on his knees and also to promise that he would not dabble in politics thereafter. I'm sure SF would say "Go to Hell"
2 32
Ramanie Saturday, 10 December 2011 09:47 AM
Comments are spot on! Thank you commentators- one and all!
3 28
asi Saturday, 10 December 2011 09:43 AM
Will MR apologies to General Fonseka.
3 28
Saman Saturday, 10 December 2011 09:33 AM
We should all sign the online petition seeking release of SF
2 29
sam Saturday, 10 December 2011 08:59 AM
An innocent hero will never beg for pardon even he is being killed
1 34
Winson Saturday, 10 December 2011 09:01 AM
GOSL should ask pardon from SF and his family members to keeping SF in prison without any proper reason.
1 30
fairose Saturday, 10 December 2011 08:55 AM
Mr.Rauff, You fought with General Sarath Fonseka against Mahinda Rajapakse and you spoke about the 17th amendment. Today you are with Mahinda Rajapakse and helped him to scrap the 17th Amendment to implement 18th Amendment, which gave all the powers that no other President had to Mahinda Rajapakse. You are shameless a shameless man who crossed over to ruling side to save the party. A sincere man should never betray his policy for party or perks. You lost all the trust that I had on you. You are a shame for and for the community for misleading and misguiding the muslim community for your own benefits. Muslim Congress is not for the welfare of the community. It is for the welfare of itself. Shame.
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Peter Fernado Saturday, 10 December 2011 09:57 AM
Asking for a pardon is admitting guilt .General Fonseka is intelligent and a person of refine character.Mr. Minister if you can't help him leave him alone.'Truth will make him free'.
.
3 30
steve Saturday, 10 December 2011 08:49 AM
The Terrorists (KP, Karuna) never asked for a pardon, but they are more than pardoned!
Why should the Gen. SF ask for pardon? what is the sin??
1 38
Hakeem Saturday, 10 December 2011 08:21 AM
If SF has not done anything wrong why should he ask for pardon? It should be the other way about, the Govt should ask pardon from SF for keeping him imprisoned for so long and give his Tittles back.
1 32
Nodrog Saturday, 10 December 2011 08:06 AM
Rauf, as the Justice minister, where is the justice for SF?
2 38
Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 10 December 2011 07:52 AM
Once a very close ally of the common candidate, he now wants to play the role of a peon!
2 33
Lakshman Saturday, 10 December 2011 07:01 AM
He hasn't done anything wrong other than he got almost killed trying to save the country.Now the government realized that they made a mistake to sending him to jail. General is not a person go after those corrupted people for his release.There is a big pressure from the world to free him.
1 31
Labby Saturday, 10 December 2011 06:52 AM
Are we coming to a situation where Sarath Fonseka's wife will be pressurized into making a pardon plea? The General had always insisted that he would never ask pardon for a crime he did not commit, and as far as we know his wife stood by that.
2 30
AM Saturday, 10 December 2011 06:15 AM
Prdon both sides massive EGOs, please...
2 14
izmy Saturday, 10 December 2011 11:21 AM
You made a mess of yourself by uttering what is unwanted. This is what happens when you go for perks for your benefit.
2 21
Rate Rala Saturday, 10 December 2011 01:03 PM
He should be immediately released.
What nonsense of pardon.
3 31
Mohamed Saturday, 10 December 2011 12:33 PM
there are many holes in your party.. First think about that and before u do other things okay
3 20
Game kolla Saturday, 10 December 2011 12:29 PM
Where were you when Gen Forseka was taken away by force from his office ?
3 24
Ronny Saturday, 10 December 2011 12:19 PM
This is like Rev. Sr. Mary Eliza of the Congregation of Mother Theresa or one of her family members asking for pardon for a crime that she hasn't committed.
4 19
Pemal Herath Saturday, 10 December 2011 12:14 PM
Mandela too was pressurised to ask for forgiveness. Yet, he stood his ground unshaken for 29 years until he was free on HIS own terms and the offenders were wiped out from history of the decent. History will repeat here.
2 23
Dee Saturday, 10 December 2011 11:51 AM
when did you enter 'messenger service' ?
2 21
anil Saturday, 10 December 2011 11:33 AM
No neet to ask for pardon Coz justice in on its way as Obama and Ban ki moon! Another set up to avoid being in hot water!
2 22
Ravindu Saturday, 10 December 2011 05:49 AM
Do you get requested pardons from each prisoners to release them on poya days and birthday of president?
1 28
sara Saturday, 10 December 2011 11:24 AM
A very cleaver soldier, an utter foolish politician.
Who would join hands with JVP if he had an iota of Political Knowledge or self respect as an Army Commander.
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shace-UK Saturday, 10 December 2011 11:15 AM
Lions dont beg they fight, and they win....
1 32
Berty Saturday, 10 December 2011 11:03 AM
KP , Karuna, Pillyan : Worst enemies of our Lanka.
Having Toast at 5 Star Hotels and getting 7 Star Political Patronage??
SF- who saved the country ??????
What a situation.
Most of comments suggest who should pardon whom.
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Hareesz Saturday, 10 December 2011 10:43 AM
Look who is talking. What did he do to families of those murdered in Udathalawinna. Ask pardon from their next of kin.
1 24
aza Saturday, 10 December 2011 10:32 AM
Isn't this funny, the only wish all the Lankan's is to see the General out of jail. These all political Drama, in my opinion I guess the General will not be allowed out for a long time to come. If the president want him out it's very simple. President should set an example to his Citizens by doing the right thing, which means he should Let general go free.
1 27
Nodrog Saturday, 10 December 2011 10:18 AM
SF is a man with honour and integrity and will not grovel. Don't waste your time trying to break him.
2 33
bigsam Saturday, 10 December 2011 09:58 AM
And who the h*ll appointed you as the 'pardon postbox'?
1 29
Dans Saturday, 10 December 2011 10:01 AM
yeah, whoever stant for the truth become terrorist (as you have compared with terrorists) and they will be court-martialed and sent to prison
How about those terrorists who haven't haven't been tried in the publick courts living a luxurious life?
3 47
prf Friday, 09 December 2011 07:07 PM
GLADIATOR not ask pardoned , when he is correct
1 29
C.K.Lankaputhra Saturday, 10 December 2011 01:19 AM
Why not you make the request without waiting for the request of Ge. Fonseka's family.
2 30
Yuri Saturday, 10 December 2011 01:03 AM
SF may be the course to turn this island into Libya or Syria, start to understand
3 30
Rufus Randeniya Saturday, 10 December 2011 12:57 AM
This is the best chance and make use of it. Howmuch ever we say he is not guilty, the govt., does not accept. Therefore, Anoma, please approach the minister for your husband's sake. We don't want to see him humiliated anymore. Please get him out and out of the country to give him necessary medical treatment and rest. He is in and we are out, but we feel deep in our hearts the pain he suffers. Do not delay. Go to the minister and get the help extended right now.
25 13
George Saturday, 10 December 2011 12:52 AM
I hope something can be worked out. Gen. Fonseka's health is not good and the longer he stays in prison, the less time he'll have to serve the people. We all know that he was framed, but let's put pride aside and ask for an unconditional pardon so that our hero can walk free.
8 23
Kolamba Kolla Saturday, 10 December 2011 12:27 AM
The entire country feels SF is a victim of injustice. No need for him to appeal for pardon.
1 3
Sukumar Friday, 09 December 2011 09:43 PM
It appears the govt is feeling hot under the collar due to local & global pressure on this and want to salvage the embarrassed position they are in by not accepting the injustice
0 2
Anton Friday, 09 December 2011 09:28 PM
He was the Army Commander who won the war and the cowards put him in jail, simply because he was a political threat. An apology, a release and compensation for wrongful imprisonment should be the order of the day.
0 3
jacoob Friday, 09 December 2011 07:28 PM
well said sir ! we are wit you sir !! triple gem bless you sir ! long live sir !
3 19
Citizen Saturday, 10 December 2011 01:22 AM
Very true AMG, while this war hero is jailed, terrorist like KP and others are given VIP treatment. Did the former of Kandy ask for pardon???
2 57
Senasuru Friday, 09 December 2011 06:02 PM
Well said AMG
10 134
AMG Friday, 09 December 2011 06:05 PM
Thousands of terrorists pardoned without any appeal, but they need an appeal from General who led and won the war against the Terrorist !
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AMG Friday, 09 December 2011 05:50 PM
It should be other way around !
14 176
Tudor Gunaratne Friday, 09 December 2011 05:29 PM
One does not have to beg for pardon case by case.
10 124
Puravasiya Friday, 09 December 2011 05:25 PM
No need a request to correct this national crime.
14 151
nena Friday, 09 December 2011 05:05 PM
Thank you for your consideration. But, SF sas not done any wrong to seek a pardon
26 219
Aristotle Friday, 09 December 2011 04:47 PM
Now another joke. Looks like many are not too happy of Obama being in the equation. Ha!
17 156
Naufer Saturday, 10 December 2011 03:13 AM
Here it is mentioned only as 'request' and not as 'pardon'. So, a request can be made by anybody to anybody.
2 21
Karunatilake Saturday, 10 December 2011 05:53 AM
mind ur own business
2 22
gafa Saturday, 10 December 2011 04:50 AM
This man is going to be a BILLY BOY, please do it on other way, ask Sarath to pardon the PRESIDENT
2 37
DRM Saturday, 10 December 2011 04:44 AM
This same man put SF into this position and now in the other side and back stabbing him. Dirty politicos...
2 28
Dammika Saturday, 10 December 2011 04:29 AM
This is like MR need to pardon SF ... it was mentioned before but no good response and now through RH. What I can see is they feel the pressure from some end. At this moment they are unable to give pardon without a request, if not they become so cheap in front of the whole world
2 23
izmy Saturday, 10 December 2011 04:05 AM
Rauff this is not Saudi to beg for pardons and the general is only a poltical prisoner.
3 33
Herby Padmaperuma. Saturday, 10 December 2011 03:50 AM
It seems that every one wants SF pardoned, but not SF or his family. Along with the Europeans and oher powers, now playing a different tune, and our local UNP neither ever wanted or thought, the Government would defeat the Terrorists. Ranl said what have they acquired a mere "Kelayak" and Laksham Kiriella, has no right to speak about the war,as betrayed the Countrty and belittled the Army includig SF, saying "ONEY HARAKEKUTA YAUDDE KERANNA PULUWAN. Abd surely only a buffalo can make such a statement. A certain proceduer has to be followed to free a convict.
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Calistus Jayatilleke Saturday, 10 December 2011 03:42 AM
One can easily understand that this indecent hurry to give a pardon to General Fonseka is because of the international outcry and to escape from the charge of keeping him as a political prisoner, which he truly is. So, there is no need for Fonseka or his family members to ask for any pardon from the President as the whole thing is a political witch hunt.
4 39
Sumathipala Saturday, 10 December 2011 03:29 AM
What you joker have to consider about that. The general has a spine, not like you, who get bought for millions from each side, like a prostitute, to get more votes. People like you will fall soon.
One day even the muslim people will find out that you just use them for your personal goals.
2 32
Chris Friday, 09 December 2011 04:29 PM
The question that everyone keeps asking is - what does General Sarath Fonseka have to ask pardon for?????
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siribiris Saturday, 10 December 2011 02:59 AM
What would be the outcome, if Obama himself appeal to President Of Sri Lanka?.
2 26
a lawyer Saturday, 10 December 2011 02:49 AM
dear AMG
SF was convicted by the judicial process. they are to be pardoned only by a clemency plea by some one either by SF himself or by some one on his behalf. there can be a general clemency offered by President in a special occasion like national day or vesak day.
as you said some clemency were given as mark of gesture for some terrorists by President Premadasa when he reached an understanding with LTTE. There was one woman who was convicted for setting the Maradana Bus bomb and when she was released she was received at Vaunia by LTTE as a heroin and joined the LTTE.
the terrorists who are released are who does not have evidence against them. where there is proof will be prosecuted.. many people looking at this issue with a political eye.
44 6
Lal.Fernando Saturday, 10 December 2011 02:29 AM
How can you give pardon to an innocent person? What has SF done wrong to be pardon?
3 45
Justice Saturday, 10 December 2011 02:12 AM
In the land of injustice, the minister trying to fool himself thinking a plea will be requested for, for crimes not committed.
4 55
Aristotle Saturday, 10 December 2011 01:53 AM
MR is the most powerful man in Sri Lanka. Arguably, Obama in the most powerful man in the world as he heads the only supper power. As such it is better to work with Obama as the mediator and not jokers.
2 28
rajen Saturday, 10 December 2011 01:57 AM
Anoma’s name should go to genus book. She is the only one wife on the earth who don’t want to get release from husband from the jail. She has no mind to understand that UNP,JVP and TNA (LTTE) doing politic over this mad husband. UNP, JVP looking political boost where their in politically in vary very bad stage. TNA hoping to get evidence from SF about war crime allegation and they looking forward him to channel 4 and this already paid huge money of dollars durring election..
45 11
silva Saturday, 10 December 2011 01:40 AM
A politicians wife who was convicted of a double murder was 'pardoned' and is a free woman today .
SF seems to be a man of principles . He does'nt need Hakeem's assistance.
2 45
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