Decision Of Tribunal Against General Fonseka Ugly

SRI LANKA: The Decision Of The Military Tribunal Against General Fonseka Ugly But Not Surprising

A military tribunal made its decision against General Fonseka finding him guilty of the charge of being engaged in politics while being in the military service. Tribunal made the decision without respect to due process and principles of fair trial.

Handpicked “judges” were previous subordinates of the general who have been subjected to punishments by him. Objection on the basis of bias was made but the tribunal rejected the objection. Tribunal refused to grant the request of lawyers of accused to have the trial on dates convenient to them. Tribunal hurriedly pronounced the pre-planned decision. Tribunal made no attempt to make the decision appear to be fair.

Police brutally attacked a peaceful demonstration demanding justice for the general and arrested two members of parliament who went to make a complaint. The police officers informed that the arrests were made on orders from above.

Political trials orchestrated on orders of presidential palace is now a very much a part of Sri Lankan experience. Moscow Trials types of political mockeries are regularly taking place now.

Asian Human Rights Commission has documented to collapse of rule of law system in meticulous detail and warned about these situations over several years.

Justice is no longer possible within Sri Lanka. Judgment against general justifies the demand for an international tribunal.

ENDS

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