The UN human rights office on Friday urged Sri Lankan authorities should immediately conduct an independent and transparent investigation into recent incidents of prison violence following deadly clashes and allegations of torture involving transferred prisoners.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, called for accountability after violence broke out in Negombo prison on July 5. leave At least 28 people were killed, including seven prison officers, and more than 100 others were injured. According to authorities, the prison was built to house about 640 inmates allegedly There were around 2,400 people there at the time of the riots, underscoring long-standing concerns about severe overcrowding.
Earlier this week, the Sri Lankan government said announced that a three-member committee was set up to investigate the violence. However, concerns escalated further after local media reported reported the death of two prisoners who were transferred from Negombo following the clashes. An inmate died at Boossa Maximum Security Prison on July 8 after reportedly suffering from a “sudden illness,” while another inmate was also transferred to Agunukolapelessa Prison died on the same day.
The Committee to Protect the Rights of Prisoners allegedly that detainees transferred from Negombo were subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment during their detention. In response, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) issued a statement opinion Directing the Commissioner General of Prisons to ensure the safety of prisoners and to grant the Commission full access to prison facilities to investigate the allegations.
Amnesty International too expressed Concerns about reported deaths and allegations of abuse. Babu Ram pantsthe organization’s deputy regional director for South Asia, said the reports were “deeply alarming” and stressed that authorities had a duty to protect the safety and well-being of detainees. Pant called for an immediate investigation into all reported deaths, the HRCSL’s full ability to monitor the welfare of detainees, and full access for lawyers and family members. He also stressed that prisoners in need of medical treatment should receive immediate care.
This was announced by the Sri Lankan authorities Plans reopen a colonial-era prison and hire additional correctional staff to address chronic overcrowding. Government officials said the country’s 22 prisons currently house about 41,000 inmates – nearly four times their intended capacity.
