The Sri Lankan army released a statement denying it was blocking efforts to investigate the disappearance of a journalist, following the arrest of several army officers.
Three retired members of the army intelligence unit were arrested after surrendering themselves to police with their lawyers last week, in connection to with the investigation of disappeared Sinhalese journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda. 10 military personnel, including some of who are currently serving, have been arrested so far.
It was reported that the military had attempted to block the probe, a charge they are denying.
“The Army while reiterating its compliance with any CID request and full cooperation to the CID for any investigation on the conduct of Army personnel, wishes to underline that once the Police arrest any Army suspect, the Army lawyers do not appear or make any submissions and they do not have any role to play,” said a statement released on Friday.
“It is further confirmed that no lawyer from the Army appeared for suspects in the Ekneligoda case as alleged, nor has any submission been made by the Army for those suspects who are being represented by their civil counsel,” the statement continued.
See the full statement here.
Also see our earlier posts:
National Patriotic Movement warns of international conspiracy against Sri Lankan military (09 Sep 2015)
Sri Lankan military intelligence officers arrested over disappeared journalist (07 Sep 2015)
Sri Lankan army ran 'shadow LTTE group' using surrendered cadres (27 Aug 2015)
Eknaligoda suspects detained by defence ministry order (27 Aug 2015)
Army officers questioned over disappearance of Sinhala journalist (24 August 2015)
Cartoonist abduction investigation suspended due to 'military pressure' (17 Aug 2015)
‘As Cameron travels to CHOGM, my husband - a journalist who criticised the regime - is still missing’ (13 Nov 2013)
'Sri Lanka's savage smokescreen' - CPJ (17 Nov 2011)
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