Possible release for some Tamil prisoners

17 October 2015 04:36 am

Some prisoners held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) are likely to be released soon in the wake of President Maithripala Sirisena directing that this matter be expedited, Opposition Leader R. Sampathan said yesterday.

He said the President had directed Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe to release some of the prisoners when this matter was referred to him.

Mr. Sampathan told Daily Mirror the minister had referred this matter with the President after a discussing with a TNA delegation.

He said the mentioned prisoners would be released after the legal procedures were attended to.

"However, no relief will be given to those charged with serious offenses," Mr. Sampathan said.

Nearly 150 prisoners detained under the PTA staged a hunger strike from Monday but they are expected to give up the hunger strike today.(Yohan Perera)