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Torturers to investigate torture - Sri Lanka’s CID launches probe into death of Tamil youth

Officers from Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is notorious for its widespread use of torture, have reportedly launched an investigation into the death of a Tamil youth after he was tortured last week.

25-year-old Nagarasa Alex died from the torture he was subjected to in Sri Lankan police custody. His death sparked protests in his hometown in Jaffna, and wider calls for justice.

Responding to calls to hold the officers responsible accountable, the Sri Lankan police released a statement claiming that “further investigations” are being carried out by a team of CID officers headed by an Assistant Superintendent of Police. The press release is in Sinhala only.

The CID is feared amongst Tamils for its widespread use of torture, abductions and murder.

Shortly before his death, Alex described the harrowing torture he was being subjected to on video. He passed away on Sunday.

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