BASL slams use of violence by security forces against peaceful protestors

Saturday, 23 July 2022 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Actions unjustified and disproportionate
President told to respect the rule of law and fundamental rights of the people
Called for an immediate inquiry and disciplinary action to be taken

Bar Association of Sri Lanka yesterday “strongly and unreservedly” condemned the use of force and violence against protestors at the Galle Face Green by the security forces in a pre-dawn crackdown yesterday.

Personnel belonging to the country’s security forces, together with the Police cleared the environs of the President’s Secretariat which was being occupied by the protestors and forced them out to secure the area in the early hours of the morning. Several incidents of them using brute force, and even attacking journalists as well as unarmed civilians were reported.

The BASL joined many others to condemn the attack and in a release to the media noted that hundreds of military personnel and Police had blocked the access roads to Galle Face and prevented the public from entering the area. Attorneys-at-Law had also been denied entry according to the organisation.

The association has demanded an immediate halt to the unjustified and disproportionate actions of the armed forces targeting civilians and called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe to ensure that he and his Government respects the rule of law and fundamental rights of the people.

The BASL said it was aware that there have been several persons arrested by the armed forces including at least one lawyer and several journalists.

“The use of the armed forces to suppress civilian protests on the very first day in office of the new President is despicable and will have serious consequences on our country’s social, economic and political stability. The BASL calls for an immediate inquiry into the incidents and for disciplinary action against all persons involved. All those involved, including those who gave orders on the same must be held accountable,” it further added. (MB)

Pic by Shehan Gunasekera