Manipulation in the release of political prisoners
Murugaya Komagan, Coordinator of Voice of the Voiceless Organization, said that while people suspected of having pictures of heroes and photos of the national leader on social media have been arrested recently, there is a suspicion that they are trying to create a magical impression of releasing political prisoners by releasing them on bail.
Murugaiah Komagan said this at a media conference held by relatives of political prisoners at Jaffna Media Center today. In addition,
A total of 46 Tamil political prisoners are found, 22 in ten cases and 24 who have appealed their convictions. This includes a female political prisoner.
Name list ready for submission
When we contacted Member of Parliament Wigneswaran for the release of Tamil political prisoners, we had given the details of 46 political prisoners. Following that, we contacted the governor of Northern Province and sent the details. We are ready to hand over the name list if anyone else contacts.
In this matter, it has been learned through the media that the Minister of Justice is going to release some of the political prisoners for the time being. We have serious doubts about this.
Justice Ashoka De Silva, Solicitor General Sugata Kamlat, who visited the New Magasin prison in April this year, told the political prisoners that they have the right to investigate the release of those arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act. They have informed the Tamil political prisoners that they do not have the authority to make decisions about those who are undergoing punishment. This claim has made us very suspicious.
In the recent past, there is a suspicion that those suspected of having pictures of heroes and photos of the national leader on Samukhya websites are trying to create a magical impression of releasing political prisoners by releasing them on bail. They should be released. Since 2019, 112 people have been arrested. They have been granted bail. The prison currently houses between 25 and 30 people who have been arrested in recent times.
The Minister of Justice said in 2015 about liberation
In 2015, the same Minister of Justice Wijetasa Rajapaksa said that a part of the political prisoners would be released. Last year, 16 Tamil political prisoners were released, and the whole world said that this was a good start for the release of political prisoners. It didn’t happen.
When the economy of the country has suffered a big impact, the people in the government do not seem to be making any effort to fix it. 361 diaspora people have been removed from Sri Lankan government’s blacklist. If it can be done, if it is practical, why not release the Tamil political prisoners who are in front of the eyes. That would be the starting point if they were to be freed.
The person who was the prime minister in the good governance government is now the president. He can acquit those who have been sentenced according to his authority. For example, Maithiri, who was the principal during the period of good rule, had two cases including the case of allegedly trying to kill him.
If the chancellor wants it, it can definitely be done
If the president wants to, he can certainly release 46 Tamil political prisoners. Considering these issues, Tamil political prisoners should be freed using the available means to wipe the tears of the affected parents.
Also, a relative of political prisoners who participated in this media meeting and commented, said that the government should release his brother who has been in prison for 26 years at least this time. He fervently requested that we should be given a chance to live together as a family.