Tamils demonstrated in Jaffna today, demanding an international investigation into the death of the Tamil political prisoner, and British citizen, Gopithas, in a Sri Lankan prison last week.
Calling for an international investigation into the death, Tamils demanded wider accountability for all enforced disappearances, as well as the de-militarisation of the North-East and for the Tamil people’s right to self-determination to be respected.
The demonstration, organised by the TNPF, saw cross-party Tamil support with others such as the NPC Councillor Ananthi Sasitharan, joining TNPF members, S. Kajendren and V. Manivannan in their call for an inquiry. Other organisations, including the Liberation of Political Prisoners and the Navasamayaa party were also present.
In an emotional event, the cremation ceremony for Gopithas took place earlier today. Several Tamil political figures attended to offer their condolences, including the Northern Provincial Councillor Ms Sasitharan, as well as the Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran and TNPF member V Manivannan.
A further protest also took place in Vadamaraachchi.
Speaking to the Tamil Guardian earlier this week, a spokesperson for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office told the Tamil Guardian that it was aware of Mr Gopithas' death.
See related article:
British Tamils languish in Sri Lankan prisons 28 Dec 2012
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| Photo:Tamilwin |
Calling for an international investigation into the death, Tamils demanded wider accountability for all enforced disappearances, as well as the de-militarisation of the North-East and for the Tamil people’s right to self-determination to be respected.
 |
The demonstration, organised by the TNPF, saw cross-party Tamil support with others such as the NPC Councillor Ananthi Sasitharan, joining TNPF members, S. Kajendren and V. Manivannan in their call for an inquiry. Other organisations, including the Liberation of Political Prisoners and the Navasamayaa party were also present.
In an emotional event, the cremation ceremony for Gopithas took place earlier today. Several Tamil political figures attended to offer their condolences, including the Northern Provincial Councillor Ms Sasitharan, as well as the Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran and TNPF member V Manivannan.
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| Northern Provincial Councillor Ananthi Sasitharan and TNPF member Visvalingam Manivannan pay their respects. Photographs Uthayan |
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| Chief Minister of Norther Province, CV Wigneswaran pays his respects. |
A further protest also took place in Vadamaraachchi.
Speaking to the Tamil Guardian earlier this week, a spokesperson for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office told the Tamil Guardian that it was aware of Mr Gopithas' death.
See related article:
British Tamils languish in Sri Lankan prisons 28 Dec 2012