Seized decorations which saw Tamils arrested under the PTA this week.
Statements have been released by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, US, UK, EU and Canada today, condemning the continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as authorities detained several Tamils this week.
“We are concerned by recent arrests in Northern & Eastern Provinces under Prevention of Terrorism Act,” said the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
It went on to say that the continued detention under the act “runs counter to Govt’s promised moratorium on use of the law that violates human rights obligations & should be repealed”.
#SriLanka: We are concerned by recent arrests in Northern & Eastern Provinces under Prevention of Terrorism Act, which runs counter to Govt’s promised moratorium on use of the law that violates human rights obligations & should be repealed.
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) December 1, 2023
“It is concerning to hear about continued use of the PTA, including to arrest peaceful protesters, and about treatment of detainees in prisons,” said US ambassador Julie Chung. “It’s vital to ensure freedom of expression and humane treatment of those in custody.”
It is concerning to hear about continued use of the PTA, including to arrest peaceful protesters, and about treatment of detainees in prisons. It’s vital to ensure freedom of expression and humane treatment of those in custody. Especially as the government looks to replace the…
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) December 1, 2023
“Concerned about reports of arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act,” tweeted Britain’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. “We urge authorities to stand by their commitments to stop the use of the #PTA and bring in legislation compliant with respect for human rights.”
Concerned about reports of arrests under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. We urge authorities to stand by their commitments to stop the use of the #PTA and bring in legislation compliant with respect for human rights.
— Andrew Patrick (@AndrewPtkFCDO) December 1, 2023
“Concerned about continued use of #PTA to make arrests,” tweeted the European Union delegation in Sri Lanka. “Authorities should bring the legislation in line with international standards and #humanrights conventions, and meanwhile stop using the PTA, as per their commitments.”
Concerned about continued use of #PTA to make arrests. Authorities should bring the legislation in line with international standards and #humanrights conventions, and meanwhile stop using the PTA, as per their commitments.
— EU in Sri Lanka (@EU_in_Sri_Lanka) December 1, 2023
And Canada’s High Commission to the island said “the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and treatment of detainees in Sri Lankan prisons is deeply concerning”.
“Canada urges Sri Lanka to protect human rights, including those of minorities, consistent with its obligations.”
The use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and treatment of detainees in Sri Lankan prisons is deeply concerning. Canada urges Sri Lanka to protect human rights, including those of minorities, consistent with its obligations.
— Canada in Sri Lanka and Maldives (@CanHCSriLanka) December 1, 2023
The statements come just days after as many as 9 Tamils have been detained under the PTA in recent days over remembrance events for Maaveerar Naal. The arrests, which came mainly in the East, were carried out as Tamils carried red and yellow flags or speakers, to take to Maaveerar Naal commemorations, which remember those who died fighting for the liberation of Tamil Eelam. Others were arrested for hiring out vehicles or power generators, or at commemorations themselves which were stormed by Sri Lankan security officers.
Earlier this month, a Tamil youth was killed in Sri Lankan policed custody. A post-mortem examination revealed he was tortured to death.
For years, successive Sri Lankan governments have pledged to repeal the PTA, which has been used for decades against Tamils to arbitrarily arrest and detain people, violate fair trial rights, and put detainees at risk of torture. The arrests under the act continue, despite Sri Lanka’s pledge to replace it.
Tamils and human rights organisations around the world have demanded it be repealed altogether.
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