BASL concerned about ‘surge’ in killings by cops
THE MORNING LK NEWS
22 Jan 2024
BASL concerned about ‘surge’ in killings by cops
Following the most recent death of a person in Narammala who was shot by a Police officer dressed in civil attire, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised concerns about the recent surge in fatalities in the country involving the Police.
In a statement issued yesterday (22), the BASL called on the relevant authorities to conduct an independent inquiry into the matter. The BASL urged the said investigation, recalling the recent death of a lorry driver in the Dampelessa area in Narammala after a Police sub-inspector’s firearm had allegedly “accidentally” discharged during a vehicle inspection after the lorry driver had failed to comply with an order to stop at a Police checkpoint.
Further, the BASL also highlighted that Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles had “expressed determination to persist with the ongoing anti-crime operations” despite escalating criticism regarding their execution. While acknowledging the necessity of law enforcement action against individuals engaged in drug-related activities, the BASL urged that such operations be conducted in a manner strictly adhering to legal protocols.
With regard to the Minister’s statements suggesting that certain non-governmental organisations and lawyers had corresponded with overseas entities and triggered subsequent public statements, the BASL blamed the Minister for making statements that are “irresponsible”, “misleading”, and “detrimental to the crucial role that lawyers play in serving the public interest”.
“It is evident that these statements, among others, made by a Government Minister, are irresponsibly misleading and detrimental to the crucial role that lawyers play in serving the public interest. Legal professionals, in accordance with statutory rights, execute their duties without aligning with criminal activities. They are essential in enabling individuals to exercise their lawful rights,” the BASL claimed.
The BASL also claimed that the justice system provided a vital check and balance and should not be attacked for the sake of political point-scoring. “We vehemently denounce the use of divisive and deceptive rhetoric that undermines the rule of law and those dedicated to upholding it,” it further read.