Human Rights Commission receives complaints of STF and police election-count violence
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The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has received complaints claiming that Sri Lankan police and Special Task Force (STF) officers assaulted people outside the Jaffna Central College, while parliamentary election votes were being recounted on Friday 7th August.
The Jaffna coordinator of HRCSL stated that two complaints were registered against STF officials and one complaint was received against the Sri Lankan police.
Tensions boiled over during the recount, with supporters of different candidates within the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) verbally confronting each other, and chanting disapproving slogans at some politicians. The STF and police cracked down in an attempt to disperse the crowds but video recordings showed some individuals being set upon and facing violent assaults from multiple officers.
Supporters of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) candidate Angajan Ramanathan also allege that they were affected by the assaults, and one has filed a complaint against Jaffna police. ITAK members Karunakaran Navalan and Danupan have also lodged complaints with the HRCSL, in this case against the STF.
The HRCSL has requested the submission of a medical report by the Jaffna Hospital forensic pathologist for the individuals concerned.
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