HRC calls for impartial probe into Swiss Embassy incident

December 1, 2019, 9:59 pm

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has called on the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged abduction of an employee of the Swiss Embassy in Colombo.

In a letter addressed to Acting Inspector General of Police C D Wickramaratne, Chairperson of HRCSL Dr Deepika Udagama has said; "A speedy and impartial investigation into the matter to unearth those responsible is absolutely essential to strengthen public confidence in law enforcement and to dispel public fears."

Full text of the letter: The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned by media reports that an employee of a diplomatic mission in Sri Lanka had recently been abducted by a group of unknown persons who had allegedly demanded that she provide them information pertaining to Sri Lankans who have sought protection through that embassy.

The Commission urgently calls on you to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into this alarming incident. As you would agree a speedy and impartial investigation into the matter to unearth those responsible is absolutely essential to strengthen public confidence in law enforcement and to dispel public fears.

When the public entertains such fears it has a chilling effect on democratic rights and freedoms. Not only must justice be done on behalf of the young woman who may be traumatized by the abduction, but the larger issue of the need to reassure the public also must be addressed.