A former Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadre was arrested under the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) yesterday for allegedly 'reorganising' the LTTE.
Following a tip-off from the district intelligence unit, Kaluvanchikudi police arrested Nagalingam Pradeepan, at his home in Porathivu, Batticaloa.
The draconian legislation allows for unlawful detention practices where individuals can be detained for 18 months without charge, though some have been detained for decades.
The PTA has been linked to cases of enforced disappearances, sexual violence and torture. Despite widespread criticism and from human rights defenders and international NGOs, Sri Lanka has failed to repeal the act and instead, have expanded the powers of the legislation.
This is the latest arrest over trumped up charges in the ongoing crackdown in the North-East, as Tamils and Muslims continue to be targeted by the state. Earlier this year, the Mayor of Jaffna was similarly arrested under accusations of attempting to resurrect the LTTE, despite the lack of any discernible evidence.
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