Lawyer’s Collective wants harassment stopped immediately

The Lawyer’s Collective in a statement yesterday said that it has been following the incidents of harassment and threats on lawyers, who actively challenged the unconstitutional impeachment of the 43rd Chief Justice of Sri Lanka.

As previously disclosed, several lawyers, senior and junior, have come under threat. Series of incidents of surveillance on the lawyers were also reported in Colombo, as well as outside.

Lakshan Dias, a well known human rights lawyer and activist who was a leading figure in the anti- impeachment activities, has come under strict surveillance, making his life vulnerable to physical attacks. He had also been followed by a white van, an incident which was reported to the Moratuwa Police on 25 February 2013, under reference CIB-1- 232/442.

“We remind the Government of its constitutional duty to protect and respect the citizen’s right to dissent and to engage in critical governance activities. The lawyer’s struggle was a discharge of their constitutional duty to protect independence of Judiciary, which they will continue to do, despite threats,” the Lawyers’ Collective said.

“The Lawyers’ Collective therefore urges the Government to investigate these incidents and ensure that the lawyers, who have stood up against the illegal impeachment of the highest judicial officer of the country, will not be subjected to any further intimidation,” it added.