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Photograph IOL News |
Tamils in South Africa staged a protest on 4th February demanding an international investigation into the allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sri Lanka.
The protest, organised by the Tamil Federation of Gauteng (TFG), was held in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg.
Nadas Pillay, president of the TFG said,
“Today, February 4, 2012, Sri Lanka celebrates Independence Day and projects to the world that it has a stable country with a democracy. But while it looks fine from the outside, within the country it has inequality among its citizens, no freedom of speech or association, people in transit camps, and no meaningful democracy,”
“With this oppressive regime we see a ray of hope that comes from the United Nations report.
“We in particular would like to emphasise the fundamental recommendation from the report that highlights the call for an international investigation within Sri Lanka.”
“Today we lay this wreath for all the people that have lost their lives, people that were persecuted, mercilessly killed, and for those people that to date have families who don’t know if they are dead or alive. Our role is to create awareness to the people of South Africa and the world."
“Therefore we are asking the South African Government and other governments that are part of the Security Council to vote in favour of an international investigation. This fight is not about the Tamil-speaking people but a fight for humanity.”