‘Crackdown on students spreads further’ - Amnesty International

by admin
Dec 10, 2012

Amnesty International has released a second notice for “urgent action” over the spread of arrests of the Jaffna University students, and raising concerns over the use of torture.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the human rights group said,

"One student is believed to have been released on bail, but many more have been arrested. Several are held incommunicado, putting them at much greater risk of torture."

The statement went on to call on people to write to Sri Lankan officials, including Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, appealing for,

  • the authorities to release the students or charge them with a recognizably criminal offence and to try them promptly in accordance with internationally recognized safeguards;
  • Urging them to ensure that the detainees are treated in accordance with international standards, especially that they are not tortured and are given full access to their lawyers, families and any medical attention they may require;
  • Calling on them to end restrictions on freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, including religious gatherings and other commemorative activities, and bring to justice those who attack such gatherings"

See the full statement here.

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