The Government, Security Forces, justice system and the general opinion of the people should change in order to have zero tolerance policy on torture, stated activists of the Right to Life Human Rights Centre at a press briefing held yesterday.
The briefing was organised to commemorate the Week Against Torture which was implemented to commemorate the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26.
Prasanga Fernando a member of the Right to Life Centre said “From June 2015 to 2018, attacks had been reported which could be considered above the law. However, many more cases go unlisted. Attacks on detainees while in Police custody have seen an increase,” he said.
Attorney At Law Ameeza Teeger said the current Constitution protects against torture and an independent mechanism should be implemented to investigate allegations made against Police officers.
“During the years 2007 and 2008,the Police recruited 26,000 personnel to the service and the government still uses old and traditional methods to investigate torture cases which should be improved.
“New technological advancements should be used when investigations are bing carried out. There cannot be any justification towards torture,” said Right to Life Centre member Philip Dissanayake.
Speaking on the culture of torture, Attorney at Law Prabodha Ratnayake said that torture had been a common practice in the past and must be done away with in keeping with the wishes of the people.
“Some people want the authorities to interrogate suspects throught any means when seeking information. These kinds of opinions should be changed if we are to create zero tolerance towards torture,” he said.
The Right to Life centre had also organised an awareness programme opposite the Aluthkade court on June 25.
A Public Forum with the participation of the National Police Commission, Human Rights Commission will also be held at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institue on June 28 at 3 pm.
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