Lawyers in Mullaitivu continue strike in support of resigned Judge

by Ephraim
Oct 3, 2023

Lawyers from the Mullaitivu Bar Association are continuing their strike for the second consecutive day, demanding justice for Judge T. Saravanarajah, who resigned from all his positions due to death threats linked to his verdicts in the Kurunthurmalai archaeology case.

The Mullaitivu Bar Association has announced that the strike will continue until they receive assurance that judicial officers can safely and independently perform their legal duties. The lawyers marched from the Mullaitivu courts complex to the Mullaitivu main junction and back to the courts complex, maintaining a peaceful protest.

Intelligence officers and Police were seen openly photographing and recording the protestors in an attempt to continue intimidating the legal professionals. 

This indefinite strike began on October 2nd and has seen lawyers from Mannar, Kilinochchi, and Mannar joining in support. Lawyers from across the North-East will also participate in the protest by wearing black face masks while carrying out their duties for the next two weeks.

In Mannar, civil society activists gathered at the Mannar bus stand, expressing their lack of trust in the numerous investigation committees formed by the government for various issues in addition to being in solidarity with the ongoing protests throughout the North-East. The strike is emblematic of growing concerns over the independence and safety of judicial officers in Sri Lanka.

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