The embassies of the UK, France, Germany and Switzerland condemned the disruption of a meeting on Monday organised for families of the disappeared from the North, by a mob led by Buddhist monks.
"Over 30 family members of disappeared persons having travelled from the Northern Province, members of civil society and NGOs as well as members of the diplomatic community were in the premises when the disruption took place. All those present felt that their security was under threat," the embassies said in a joint statement issued on Tuesday, calling on Sri Lanka to "ensure and respect freedom of assembly and expression".
"We sincerely hope that the security of those having travelled from the Northern Province to share their experience will be assured upon their return," the statement added.
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US embassy expresses concern over SL police support to mob (04 Aug 2014)
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The full statement has been reproduced below:
"Over 30 family members of disappeared persons having travelled from the Northern Province, members of civil society and NGOs as well as members of the diplomatic community were in the premises when the disruption took place. All those present felt that their security was under threat," the embassies said in a joint statement issued on Tuesday, calling on Sri Lanka to "ensure and respect freedom of assembly and expression".
"We sincerely hope that the security of those having travelled from the Northern Province to share their experience will be assured upon their return," the statement added.
See related articles:
US embassy expresses concern over SL police support to mob (04 Aug 2014)
Buddhist mob disrupts meeting for families of disappeared Tamils (04 Aug 2014)
The full statement has been reproduced below:
The embassies of France, Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland strongly condemn the disruption by an organized group including monks of the get-together on the theme “Sharing and listening session with families of the disappeared” organized by Families of the Disappeared in the Centre for Society and Religion on the 4th of August 2014. As was noted in the statement by the U.S. Embassy yesterday, the organized group made forced entry into the room where the discussions were taking place, shouting violently.
Over 30 family members of disappeared persons having travelled from the Northern Province, members of civil society and NGOs as well as members of the diplomatic community were in the premises when the disruption took place. All those present felt that their security was under threat.
We strongly urge the government to ensure and respect freedom of assembly and expression in Sri Lanka. We sincerely hope that the security of those having travelled from the Northern Province to share their experience will be assured upon their return.