Media Release : 03 December 2004

 

Probe, assassination of torture victim Gerald Mervin Perera

The recent killing of Gerald Mervin Perera a victim of police torture who was due to testify in a criminal case against his torturers, shows the extent to which the rule of law has weakened and the carefree behavior of the police  in Sri Lanka. The victim was a courageous man who trusted the judicial system to defend his fundamental rights against the brutal torture that he was subject to. This was particularly courageous given that he was subject to death threats in the weeks leading to his killing.

This killing which happened in the wake of the assassination of High Court judge Sarath Ambepitiya should serve as a wake up call to the government of Sri Lanka. It must be stated that it is the interference of politicians in successive governments of Sri Lanka in the running of the police and the judiciary that is partly responsible for the current deterioration of law and order.

While we unreservedly condemn the brutal and cowardly killing of Gerald Perera, we call upon the government of Sri Lanka to arrange a free and fair inquiry  into this killing and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice irrespective of their social status and political connections. The Government should use this incident to take steps to ensure the safety of persons in custody and safeguard the fundamental rights of all citizens of Sri Lanka.

 

Ranjith Soysa

Spokesperson

Society for Peace, Unity and Human Rights in Sri Lanka (SPUR)

Reg No. A 003 07777 M

PO Box 4066

Mulgrave    VIC 3170

Australia

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