Responding to the arrest of Tamil civil society leader Velan Swamigal, US Congresswoman Deborah Ross expressed her deep concern over his arrest during a peaceful demonstration.
On Twitter Ross tweeted:
Last year, I had the opportunity to speak with Velan Swamigal and learn about his work on civil and human rights for Tamils in Sri Lanka.
I am deeply concerned by his arrest during a peaceful protest last week.
— Congresswoman Deborah Ross (@RepDeborahRoss) January 24, 2023
The civil society leader was arrested alongside several other demonstrators on Sunday for reportedly "obstructing police duties" as they continued their protest against Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as he visited Jaffna. During the peaceful protests, Sri Lankan police attempted to break up the demonstrations through the use of water cannons and the erecting of barriers. Swamigal has since been released on bail.
Ross joins a number of politicians from across world who have raised alarm over this arrest.
Read more here: British MPs slam arrest of Tamil civil society leader
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