Attack On Journalist Well Planned: Lawyers Collective

 

Senior legal professionals have condemned the attack on journalist Chandana Kuruppuarachchi that occurred a few days ago while expressing their regret over the law being made redundant with concern to prosecuting his attackers.

The Lawyers Collective issuing a statement have pointed out the attack on Kuruppuarachchi a few days ago in Haliela has occurred within a matter of days after threats were levelled at members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) including Upul Jayasuriya and other human rights activists including lawyers Manjula Pathiraja and Namal Rajapakhsa.

Senior lawyers Lal Wijenayake, Chandrapala Kumarage, and JC Weliamuna issuing the statement on behalf of the Lawyers Collective have pointed out that it is evident that these attacks are well-planned incidents carried out through individuals well experienced in harming those who are fighting for democracy, rule of law, independence of the judiciary and human rights in Sri Lanka.

“The law of the country doesn’t seem to stretch to these people,” they have pointed out.

Meanwhile, they had encouraged civil society groups including BASL, Federation of University Teachers Association and Associations of Journalists collaborating to stand together in the struggle to protect democratic rights of the people. The Lawyers Collective has also called upon other professions and civil society groups to join in this struggle.