Prisoners Rights Group wants EU support to repeal PTA

COLOMBO (News 1st):  The Committee for the Protection of rights of Prisoners has requested for the support of the European Union for the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act in Sri Lanka. The letter also has requested the support of the European Union in seeking justice for those detained under the PTA and those who have been released after prolonged detention. The letter states that the PTA had resulted in arbitrary arrest, prolonged administrative detention without judicial supervision, prolonged detention without charges and long-drawn-out trials, which has caused immense mental and physical agony for not only the detainees under the act but also to the loved ones of the detainees. That letter states that even the current government have promised to reform the PTA perhaps considering the upcoming review of extension of GSP+ facility and the 48th session of the UN Human Right Council, they too appear to attempt to hoodwink survivors, victim’s families and the international community. The letter has also requested the EU to consider their plea during the EU review in granting the GSP+ facility to Sri Lanka this year.