Wasantha Mudalige 150 days in jail -Strong pressure on the government

Strong pressure on the government to release the student leader, who has completed 151 days of detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. 07 human rights organizations, a massive protest, and 1000 affidavits put pressure on the government.

An active pioneer of the people’s struggle (Aragalaya), the convener of the Inter-University Student Federation (IUSF), Wasantha Mudalige, was arrested and jailed under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and yesterday – January 16, completed 150 days. Many organizations, including the Inter-University Student Federation, and Bhikku Federation held a massive protest yesterday in Colombo demanding his release, and 07 human rights organizations are intensifying their efforts to force the government to release Mudalige. Also, 1000 Affidavits urging his release will hand over to the Court Today, 17th January.

Seven (07) international Human Rights Organizations emphasized yesterday, 16th January that the Sri Lankan government should immediately end the arbitrary detention of Wasantha Mudalige.

Amnesty International (AI), Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), CIVICUS, Frontline Defenders, Human Rights Watch, The International Working Group on Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Movement for Peace and Justice are the International organizations that pressure the Government of Sri Lanka to release University Student leader immediately.

The 07 international human rights organizations issued a joint statement indicating that the misuse of anti-terrorism laws to arbitrarily detain a student activist involved in non-violent protests has a severe impact on the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

The 07 international organizations also point out that the authorities are chasing other activists who allegedly participated in the protests of the 2022 initial struggle. Also, it is pointed out that the president has threatened that the protesters against the government are terrorists and fascists and that if protests arise again amid the ongoing economic crisis, he will deploy the army again.

Indicating that the Sri Lankan government should fully respect the right to “freedom of expression and peaceful assembly”, 07 human rights organizations stressed that all protesters facing charges that do not meet international standards should also be released.

Not only Comrade Wasantha, but a huge number of people in this country also participated in the protests of the struggle. Why is only Comrade Wasantha kept imprisoned like this? Therefore, we urge the Ranil Rajapaksa government to immediately intervene in the release of Comrade Wasantha. Otherwise, we all people should arrest,” Terence Rodrigo, acting convener of the Inter-University Student Federation, told the media during yesterday’s protest.

Organizations, including the Inter-University Student Fedaration, have been engaged in various activities for Wasantha’s freedom in the last few weeks.

Also, under the theme of “Conscience” urging the release of Wasantha Mudalige, who is currently on remand, a campaign to sign 1000 affidavits started on January 9 at Galle Face green.

The organizers told Asia News that arrangements have been made to hand over the 1000 affidavits collected from different provinces in the country to the High Court today after 11.00 am.

Share This :

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *