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Angunukolapelessa prison attack: HRCSL probe began long before video footage went viral
View(s):Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) officials visited the Angunukolapelessa prison to inquire into the assault on inmates, a month before leaked video footage of the incident created a public outcry in the social media this week.
The visit in early December last year came after the HRCSL learned about the incident that took place on November 22 last year. It had even summoned the Prisons Commissioner-General and the Superintendent in charge of the Angunukolapelessa prison, touted as a super prison, to record their statements.
“During these inquiries, the Commission reiterated the need to adhere to the constitutional provision on freedom from torture and pointed to the Convention against Torture Act No 22 of 1994, which criminalises torture,” an HRCSL statement said.
The Commission also obtained statements from prisoners. It requested the Superintendent to produce those who alleged they had been assaulted to be examined by the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO). The Commission also asked the Superintendent to provide medical assistance to those who required it, the statement said.
The Commission did several follow-up visits in December to get further statements from prisoners, monitored whether they were produced before the JMO as requested and monitored their general well-being.
Inquiries are continuing, and the Commission expects to issue its ruling soon.