Justice Minister dismisses national security threat over release of ex-LTTE detainees

By AshwinHemmathagama

Our Lobby Correspondent

The recent release of some LTTE suspects in remandprovided former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his associates the opportunity to criticise the decision, highlighting “a possible threat” to national security, which was shot down in Parliament yesterday. 

Countering the attack by the former President and his associates, Minister of Justice and Buddha Sasana Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe pointed out that a large numberof LTTE activists were released during Rajapaksa’s presidency.

Addressing media gathered in Parliament, he said: “The former Government released 12,000 LTTE frontline fighters who were taken into custody soon after the war ended. Adding more to the list, 140 were released in January 2010 while a further 390 were released before the Northern Provincial Council election in 2012. But we are not blaming the previous Government for releasing LTTE cadres due to various reasons. We want to show the country the hoax behind the threat on national security, especially at a time where the present Government is looking for a long-lasting peace and reconciliation and also when there is a conducive environment for us to go forward. We bailed out 39 suspects who were not suspectedof any serious crimes. Those who are suspectedin relation to serious offences are still in the prisons and no action has been taken to give them bailor release them.”

According to the Minister, the remaining suspects have been categorised into three groups. “There are 56 prisoners who were convicted, having followed Court proceedings. No discussions have been held about them and no decision has been taken. The second group has 124 suspects. They were served indictments and the High Court Proceedings are on. We haven’t taken a decision to release them on give them bail. There are 20 suspects in this group who accepted that they were guilty of minor offences and we may release them in the near future. 

“The third group has 24 people awaiting indictment. They have no serious charges such as involvement in bus and train bomb blasts, suicide bomb attacks, and attempts on the life of the former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. They have minor charges such as harbouring several LTTE cadres inside their houses or providing some explosives. Unless there is enough evidence, this group will be released on surety and personal bail,” he stated, adding that he was not willing to interfere with Court proceedings to fast-track the process.

The Minister who held discussions with the respective prisoners also highlighted their frustration. “They are simply unhappy because their leaders who commanded the LTTE were key stakeholders in the UPFA Government and some even in the Provincial Councils. They ask why they are imprisoned simply for having executed their orders.”

According to Dr. Rajapakshe, the Government will enact new laws to repeal the much-debated Prevention of Terrorism Act No.48 of 1979. “We will first enforce the new Act and then cancel the PTA, which is not on par with the international laws. The new Act will be on par with international laws to which we agreed in Geneva,”he added.