Lawyers associated with opposition parties to fight against suppression

By Yohan Perera   

While highlighting possible moves by the government to file legal action against those who protested at Colombo Fort Magistrate Courts on August 26, ahead of the court hearing involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, lawyers associated with opposition political parties yesterday announced that they would assist various groups who are subjected to suppression.   

“We will assist those who are subjected to suppression free of charge if they retain us for cases,” Attorney at Law and former Minister Chandima Weerakody told a media briefing.   

“Gathering at Fort Magistrate courts was a right of the people. This right of movement and the right of expression is guaranteed in the constitution,” he added.   

Weerakody charged that institutions such as CID and the police are being used as tools to suppress the opposition.   

UNP Secretary Legal Affairs Nisanka Nanayakkara said the government will soon find itself in a complicated situation with regard to the ‘Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA)’. “The government is to Act against underworld gang members who were extradited from abroad recently under PTA. At the same time an assurances has been given to Office of UN Human Rights Commission that PTA will be repealed. The underworld gang members will have to be released if the PTA is repealed,” he said.   

He also said the move to take action against Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader Udaya Gammanpila is humorous as the charge against him is using the word ‘Tiger’ when referring to the LTTE when he spoke publicly recently.   

SJB Lawyers Wing member Rajitha Lakmal also expressed the same sentiments.   

Recalling that they appeared free of charge for Aragalaya Victims, the lawyers said they have decided to do the same against the suppression of the opposition by the present regime.