BASL condemns police brutality

 Friday, 06 June 2014

The Standing Committee of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka on Rule of Law condemns the attitude adopted by the Police when students of the Ruhuna University were brutally assaulted by a mob led by a Deputy Minister and some members of the Provincial Council.  This is another instant where the Police were mere spectators to the commission of crimes by politicians.  It is a pathetic sight to watch such episodes over and over again.  What these incidents show over and over again is the complete erosion of Rule of Law in our country.  It is now clear that the politicians enjoy absolute immunity in respect of the commission of crimes against persons who do not agree with them.  The dangerous aspect of it is the impunity with which these criminal acts are committed and the fact that the political leadership of our country as well as the law enforcement authorities has failed to at least show its concern regarding this development which makes it obvious that the political leadership is supportive of these acts.  It is seen that the law enforcement authorities has neither the will nor power to do their duty.

These actions by politicians and the attitude of the police has made the provisions on fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed in the constitution meaningless.  This will be our main focus at the 'Public Forums' that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka will be holding throughout the country to enlighten the people on the erosion of Rule of Law and the lack of accountability by the government.