International condemnation of Sri Lanka’s PTA arrests of Tamils

by Thusiyan
Dec 1, 2023

Seized decorations which saw Tamils arrested under the PTA this week.

Statements have been released by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the US, the UK, the EU and Canada today, condemning the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as authorities detained several Tamils this week.

“We are concerned by recent arrests in Northern & Eastern Provinces under Prevention of Terrorism Act,” said the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

It went on to say that the continued detention under the act “runs counter to Govt's promised moratorium on use of the law that violates human rights obligations & should be repealed”.

“It is concerning to hear about continued use of the PTA, including to arrest peaceful protesters, and about treatment of detainees in prisons,” said US ambassador Julie Chung. “It’s vital to ensure freedom of expression and humane treatment of those in custody.”

“Concerned about reports of arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act,” tweeted Britain’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. “We urge authorities to stand by their commitments to stop the use of the #PTA and bring in legislation compliant with respect for human rights."

“Concerned about continued use of #PTA to make arrests,” tweeted the European Union delegation in Sri Lanka. “Authorities should bring the legislation in line with international standards and #humanrights conventions, and meanwhile stop using the PTA, as per their commitments.”

And Canada’s High Commission to the island said “the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and treatment of detainees in Sri Lankan prisons is deeply concerning”.

“Canada urges Sri Lanka to protect human rights, including those of minorities, consistent with its obligations.”

The statements come just days after as many as 9 Tamils have been detained under the PTA in recent days over remembrance events for Maaveerar Naal. The arrests, which came mainly in the East, were carried out as Tamils carried red and yellow flags or speakers, to take to Maaveerar Naal commemorations, which remember those who died fighting for the liberation of Tamil Eelam. Others were arrested for hiring out vehicles or power generators, or at commemorations themselves which were stormed by Sri Lankan security officers.

Earlier this month, a Tamil youth was killed in Sri Lankan police custody. A post-mortem examination revealed he was tortured to death.

Individual politicians too have voiced their concerns. In the US, representative for Ohio's 6th congressional district Bill Johnson said he was “deeply concerned by the arrests of Tamils in the North-East of Sri Lanka under the Prevention of Terrorism Act during their peaceful commemorations over the past few days, as well as the numerous attempts by Sri Lankan police to obstruct and prevent Tamil memorialization.”

Congressman Wiley Nickel condemned the arrests, stating that he would “continue to stand with the Tamil people against this attack on freedom”.

Congressman Don Davis said he was “profoundly troubled by the recent arrests of Tamil People in Sri Lanka”.

“These arrests, conducted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, targeted the Tamils who were engaged in peaceful commemorative activities,” he added. “The U.S. government and the international community must protect the rights of the Tamil People.”

“These arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act are the latest in a historical pattern of Sri Lankan police attempting to prevent Tamil memorialization,” added Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.

In the UK, MP Siobhain McDonagh stressed the need to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and respect the right of Tamils to remember their loved ones. 

For years, successive Sri Lankan governments have pledged to repeal the PTA, which has been used for decades against Tamils to arbitrarily arrest and detain people, violate fair trial rights, and put detainees at risk of torture. The arrests under the act continue, despite Sri Lanka’s pledge to replace it.

Tamils and human rights organisations around the world have demanded it be repealed altogether.

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Tamil asylum seekers in Australia mark 100 days of continuous protests for permanent visas

Over 200 refugees and supporters marked a significant milestone by marching 10 kilometers from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office to the Immigration Minister’s office this week, commemorating 100 days of continuous protest.

This demonstration, which culminated in a rally and speeches in Punchbowl, highlighted the plight of refugees denied permanent visas for over 12 years. Speakers at the event shed light on the profound impact of the current system, including barriers to higher education, employment, and access to essential services.

The protest has now entered its 100th day, with Tamil asylum seekers and their supporters continuing their relentless demand for permanent protection. For 38 days, they camped outside Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke’s office in Sydney, calling on the government to end the visa limbo that has left many without basic rights and stability. Tamil asylum seekers have been in Australia for over a decade, living on short-term visas that must be renewed regularly. Without permanent residency, they are excluded from Medicare—Australia’s universal health insurance scheme—and are denied the right to work, study, travel, or access essential services. Many are also required to report to visa offices weekly.

The crisis is compounded by the controversial 'Fast Track' system introduced in 2014 by the Abbott government. According to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, this system has resulted in the rejection of around 8,500 asylum seekers' cases. It specifically targets individuals who sought asylum by sea and arrived in Australia between August 13, 2012, and December 31, 2013. Tamil asylum seekers, stuck in visa limbo for years, have launched protests nationwide, with 24-hour encampments in Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane.

Amaran - Problematic propaganda

amaran

The genre of war epic makes its grand re-entry to Tamil cinema with director Rajkumar Periasamy’s sophomore feature film, ‘Amaran.’ As is often the case with this genre, one cannot help but feel the events of the ‘true story’ onscreen have been heavily modified for easy consumption.

 

 

 

The patriotic military films of Tamil cinema had taken a back seat for a while. The subject matter is now seldom a prominent theme of a film, instead lurking in the shadows peeking through such as via the heroes in the works of Nelson Dilipkumar. The genre of war epic makes its grand re-entry to Tamil cinema with director Rajkumar Periasamy’s sophomore feature film, ‘Amaran.’ As is often the case with this genre, one cannot help but feel the events of the ‘true story’ onscreen have been heavily modified for easy consumption.

The film follows the tale of Major Mukund Varadarajan (Sivakarthikeyan) and his partner Indhu Rebecca Varghese (Sai Pallavi), who meet at college and soon become lovers. Indhu grapples with her lover’s life ambition of becoming a soldier for the Indian army, admiring his courage and more than willing to become his doting wife at home. We then watch as Mukund is stationed in Kashmir and follow along with his various missions in the volatile area. The film’s depiction of the Indian army is one solely made up of heroes rescuing civilians and looking out for the public’s interests. It is not necessary to delve too much into why this is an oversimplified and problematic portrayal.

The central performances by Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi carry the almost three hour film adequately. Despite moments where Sivakarthikeyan lacks the intensity to land highly emotional scenes, the pair deftly share the screen between them, with Pallavi picking up any slack. Another notable performance comes from Geetha Kailasam, a character actor who has featured in many films recently in the role of ‘the mother.’ ‘Amaran’ gives her another opportunity to showcase her own humorous brand of motherhood.

Technically, the film runs smoothly. The film is decently shot and edited. Other than a few overly melodramatic moments, the screenplay is solid, albeit a little superficial. GV Prakash Kumar continues his trend of matching the quality of the film with the quality of his music. The track ‘Hey Minnale’ is an earworm, but the rest of the score and soundtrack does not shine through.

Overall, ‘Amaran’ is a straightforward piece of propaganda. A shot in ‘Amaran’ depicts a soldier of the Indian army blocking a closing door with his rifle. On the other side of the door is a Kashmiri child. To appease the child, the soldier sneaks a chocolate bar through the gap in the doorway. The reverse of this tactic is what director Rajkumar Periasamy employs to hook his audience in: the sweetness of the Penelope-Odysseus relationship between Mukund and Indhu hides the intrusion of the weapon of jingoist ideology. 

Krishna's rating: 2.5 stars

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Official trailer for film below.

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