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Assault on law student; BASL urges IGP & Attorney General to conduct immediate inquiry

26 Feb 2021

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) today urged the IGP and the Attorney General to conduct an immediate inquiry and disciplinary action be taken against the police officers involved in the assault on law student Migara Gunaratne. In a statement, the BASL said legal action should be taken against all such officers by initiating respective Criminal Prosecutions. It further said,"It was brought to the attention of the BASL this morning that Migara Gunaratne, a final year law student, has been brutally assaulted by several officers attached to the Special Crimes Unit of the Peliyagoda Police on the night of the 25th of February when he attempted to carry a parcel of food to his brother's client who was being detained by the police. "The BASL condemns this brutal attack on Migara Gunaratne. This incident cannot be taken in isolation as on a previous occasion his brother Charitha Gunaratne who is an Attorney at Law was obstructed by the Police in carrying out his professional services. "Since of late, incidents of this nature by the Police have escalated. It is the position of the BASL that there is no room and there must be zero tolerance for police brutality whether it is against a member of the profession or any other person. Persons cannot be treated like this which is a violation of the very law the police is expected to protect. "The BASL has called upon the IGP and the Attorney General to conduct an immediate inquiry and disciplinary action to be taken against the police officers and also importantly, for legal action be taken against all such officers by initiating respective Criminal Prosecutions. "In this respect, it is the considered position of the BASL that all officers on duty at the Special Crimes Unit of the Peliyagoda Police on the night of February 25 should be subjected to identification immediately. "The BASL will be closely monitoring this matter and the steps that are taken to ensure that the rule of law and due process is upheld."


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