UPDATE (Sri Lanka): National Police Commission takes actin against a perpetrator of torture 

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

Urgent Appeal Case: UP-56-2004
ISSUES: Torture,

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received a letter of response from the National Police Commission (NPC) of Sri Lanka regarding the case of Channa Prasanka Fernando. In the letter, the Chairman of the NPC confirms that action has been taken against a perpetrator of torture.

The AHRC had sent an appeal letter to the NPC reporting that torture victim Channa Prasanka Fernando was kidnapped again and tortured by Sergeant Subasinghe of the Negombo Police Station, who forced the victim to write letters withdrawing complaints against him. (Refer to: UA-122-2004 and UP-54-2004)

For your reference, the AHRC reproduces the letter of the NPC below.

[Response letter from the NPC]

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION
No. 69/1,

Ward Place, Colombo

07.

7 Oct., 2004

Mr. Basil Fernando
Executive Director
A.H.R.C.

Allegations against Police Sgt. 31545 of the Negombo Police
in respect of Channa Prasanka Fernando

This refers to your fax dated 30th September 2004 sent to me alleging the commission of serious offenses by the above named Police Officer of the Negombo Police. The National Police Commission has taken serious note of your complaint and this is one of the first matters which has been taken up for action by the newly established (w.e.f. 1.10.2004) Public Complaints Unit at our Head Office with Mr. B. Anton Jeyanathan, Retd. DIG at its head, as Consultant.

The S.S.P. Negombo has confirmed that P.S. Subasingha had been produced in M.C. Negombo in case No. B 3118/04 and that criminal proceedings will be instituted against him under Section 316 of the Penal Code.

Further, disciplinary proceedings too will be taken against him.

Additionally, further investigations are being made against the same officer in regard to his misdeeds of alleged abduction etc. on 16.9.2004.

(signed)

Ranjit Abeysuriya, PC,
Chairman,
National Police Commission

Thank you.

Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)

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SAMPLE LETTER


Document Type : Urgent Appeal Update
Document ID : UP-56-2004
Countries : Sri Lanka,
Issues : Torture,