TISL condemns death threats against lawyers

Monday, 21 January 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) had pointed out earlier that the former Chief Justice did not receive a fair hearing on her impeachment due to the Parliamentary Select Committee ignoring the accepted principles of natural justice and not being transparent in their actions.

There is an accepted procedure in removing even an ordinary public official. The official even has the option of seeking redress from the courts against a decision. The Chief Justice did not get such an opportunity and now the lawyers who appeared for her and those who opposed the impeachment are now under death threats. The TISL vehemently condemns such behaviour. These lawyers have complained to the police that they have received death threats for appearing on behalf of the former Chief Justice or for expressing their views on the impeachment motion.

Attorneys-at-Law Romesh de Silva PC, who appeared on behalf of the former Chief Justice, and senior lawyers who were active members of the Lawyers Collective Jayampathy Wickremaratne PC, M. Sumanthiran MP, and J.C. Weliamuna have received death threats.