Recall protesters sent for quarantine: Anura tells Govt.

• Says it was against the law and human rights
• Police have not been given any power to arrest or send protesters for quarantine

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday called on the Government to recall the protesters who were arrested and forcibly sent for quarantine in various places in the country, claiming that it was against the law and human rights.

He told Parliament that the police had not been entrusted with any powers to forcibly send the protesters who were granted bail by the court.

The MP pointed out that several Courts had rejected to issue an order to send the protesters for quarantine when the police sought permission from the court to do so.

“This is an abduction of civilians by the police. Police have not been given any power to arrest or send protesters for quarantine. They cannot arrest people without a court order. We will file a Human Rights petition against this move,” he said.

Mr. Dissanayake said the arrest of protesters was not done to prevent the spread of COVID-19, adding that it was a political witch-hunt.

“People travel in crowded buses. There were celebrations with the participation of a large number of people after Basil Rajapaksa assumed duties as a Minister. If this regulation is to prevent the spread of COVID-19, how are such activities allowed. This regulation is solely an order given to suppress peoples’ right to protest,” he said.

BLURB

People travel in crowded buses. There were celebrations with the participation of a large number of people after Basil Rajapaksa assumed duties as a Minister. If this regulation is to prevent the spread of COVID-19, how are such activities allowed