Innocent persons to be freed

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has ordered the immediate release of all innocent persons taken into custody during the search operations conducted in Colombo and environs during the last few days.

President Rajapaksa has instructed IGP Victor Perera to ensure that persons without any charges or suspicions against them are released as soon as possible.

The search operations were conducted in the aftermath of twin blasts in Colombo and Nugegoda last Wednesday which targeted Minister Douglas Devananda and innocent civilians, to detect suspicious persons who may be plotting more such acts.

The President gave these directions to the Police following a meeting with CWC leader Minister Arumugam Thondaman and UPF leader Minister P. Chandrasekaran on this issue.

The President pointed out that all should cooperate with the Police and the Security Forces for these operations as their ultimate aim is the protection of life and property. However, Police should take steps to release those who do not have any charges against them without delay, he added.

It is the duty of the Government and the Security Forces to create an environment where all communities can live amicably in Colombo and elsewhere. He regretted any inconvenience caused to the people during such search operations which are conducted to ensure the safety and security of all. He stressed that civil security committees should be established in and around Colombo to ensure the safety of civilians.

The Government will strive to minimise the inconvenience caused to civilians in security arrangements but all should cooperate with the Police and the Forces in such endeavours, he added.

Meanwhile, a Help Desk for Information to the public about persons arrested and or detained by Police and Security Forces in the recent round up of suspect persons in Colombo and the suburbs will be set up immediately by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights (MoDM&HR).

This action has been taken by the Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe, acting on the instructions of President Rajapaksa, following representations made to the President regarding persons detained by the authorities in the last few days.

This Help Desk will use the Disaster Management Centre's Hotline, on which the public could call and ascertain if a person is detained by the authorities.

The contact numbers for this 24/7 - Help Desk are 2670002 (Voice) and 2779979 (Fax).

The Police have been directed to share the list of names of persons detained with the relevant authorities, including the MoDM&HR and the Human Rights Commission (HRC).

The Minister who personally inspected some of the detention centres, met with detainees to ensure they were being treated humanely and with respect for their dignity, has directed the police to share the list of names of persons detained with the relevant authorities including the MoDM&HR and the HRC.

Minister Samarasinghe has brought to the attention of the Police, all relevant authorities and the public, the Presidential Direction on "Arrest, Detention and matters incidental thereto" of June 2006 which was re-circulated in April 2007 by the Ministry of Defence, Public Security and Law and Order, to ensure that all arrests comply with the guidelines issued by President Rajapaksa for safeguarding the Human Rights of persons arrested or detained.

At a meeting with senior officials concerned with the arrest and detention of persons held yesterday, Minister Samarasinghe emphasised the Government's commitment to safeguarding the human rights of all persons arrested and detained; the firm policy on zero-tolerance of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of persons in custody. It was further stressed that all arrests and detentions must be carried out strictly in accordance with the law.

The Minister added that in the present security environment, the Police and armed services should be strengthened and supported in their efforts to prevent acts of terrorism and loss of life. However, while investigations must be carried out to the fullest extent permissible under the law to protect innocent lives, all reasonable measures necessary to protect the rights of individuals detained should be taken, he said.

Senior officers of the MoDM&HR, the Police - including the CID and the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) and the HRC participated in the meeting with the Minister to ensure compliance with the President's directive on the arrest of persons and treatment of detainees.