SRI LANKA: Court orders to silence two human rights activists

Mon, Mar 24, 2014 at 1:56 PM

A Statement from the Asian Human Rights Commission

We reproduce below copies of the court orders.

The first order states that, as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) is conducting an investigation into the terrorist activities of the LTTE and that if the information gathered during this investigation is given to local or international persons there will be great damage to this investigation, and by so providing this information there is a possibility that acts of terrorism or conflicts among races or religions can take place. Therefore the OIC of the TID has requested me to make such order for the persons named not to make any such statements. And the Magistrate has made the order accordingly.

In the second order, also made at the request of the OIC of the TID an order has been made to the effect to arrest and produce before court the above named persons if they come for the purpose of travel abroad without the permission of the court.

Copies of this order has been sent to the directors of Immigration and Emigration at international airports at Katunayake and Mattala, the director of the State Intelligence Service, and the director of the Criminal Investigation Department.

The Asian Human Rights Commission states that there was no reason in any way to connect these two human rights activists, who have merely done their duty to extend support to any victims or perceived victims of human rights abuses. In fact, the very mandate of a human rights defender is to provide assistance to anyone who is going through such circumstances. The United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution entitled, Protecting Human Rights Defenders, (April 12, 2013) among other things: "Urges the States to acknowledge publically the important and legitimate role of human rights defenders in the promotion of human rights, democracy and rule of law as an essential component of ensuring their protection, including by respecting the independence of their organisations and by stigmatisation of their work". It was after the TID found them to be innocent of any unlawful activity that both of them were released. The international interventions and those by local agencies were made on the basis of the justification of their interventions as human rights activists. The government responded positively to the massive protest and created the impression of having resolved the problem. The actions which are now being taken to restrict their freedom of speech and to travel have therefore no legitimate basis.

Sri Lankan law protects the freedom of speech as well as the freedom for travel. Both of these rights are considered fundamental rights. Merely tagging on an accusation of some connection to the LTTE without sufficient evidence in order to create the impression of some illegal activity is not becoming of a legitimate government. Unfortunately the long period of violence that prevailed in the country for several decades left room for such arrests without the strict criterion relating to the law. A situation arose when, by the mere signature of an official, the most terrible accusations can be made and these led to the issuing of orders which have enormous consequences.

The resort to such orders now endangers everyone. An officer without providing any reliable evidence to the court may make such requests by which the freedom of any person can be jeopardised.

This action on the part of the TID itself is one more justification for the resolution which is now before the Human Rights Council. When the domestic legal system is blatantly abused the only recourse that a citizen will have is to turn to the United Nations human rights agencies. So far, the belief that the domestic system may still be utilised creates the illusion that justice is still possible in Sri Lanka. However, when the powers of arrest, detention are abused and other severe restrictions of the freedom of speech and movement are being made in this manner it is glaring proof of the justification for the resolution which is to be debated this week in Geneva.

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About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation that monitors human rights in Asia, documents violations and advocates for justice and institutional reform to ensure the protection and promotion of these rights. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.

Tentative List of 119 Sikh Political Prisoners

Still in Different Jails of India 

Death Sentence to Sikh Political Prisoners
1. Prof. Devinderpal Singh Bhullar (Since 1995) Tihar Jail, Delhi
2. Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana (Since 1995) Central Jail, Patiala
Life Convicts Sikh Political Prisoners
Maximum Security Jail, Nabha

1. Lal Singh  (Since 1992)
2. Dilbagh Singh (Since 1999) 
3. Swaran Singh (Since 1991)
Model Jail, Burrial
4. Lakhwinder Singh (Since 1995)
5. Gurmeet Singh (Since 1995)
6. Shamsher Singh (Since 1995)
7. Subheg Singh (Since 1995) Central Jail, Ldh.
8. Nand Singh (Since 1993) Central Jail, Patiala
Central Jail, Amritsar

9. Baj Singh (Since 1993)
10. Hardeep Singh (Since 1993)
11. Waryam Singh  (Since 1991) Central Jail, Pilibhit, UP
12. Gurdeep Singh Kherra (Since 1990) Central Jail, Gulberg, Karnatka
13. Gurmeet Singh Fauji (Since 1995) Central Jail, Bikaner

Tihar Jail, Delhi

14. Jagtar Singh Hawara (Since 1995)
15. Paramjit Singh Bheora (Since 1995)
16. Daya Singh Lahoria (Since 1995)

7/10 Years R.I. or Under-trails Sikh Political Prisoners
1. Bapu Dr. Assa Singh 94 Years  (District Jail, Hoshiarpur)
2. Bapu Maan Singh 69 years (Central Jail, Ludhiana)

Model Jail Kapurthala

3. Bapu Harbhajan Singh 84 Years 
4. Bapu Balwinder Singh 61 years 
5. Bapu Mohan Singh 72 years 
6. Bapu Saroop Singh 64 Years 
7. Bapu Avtar Singh 76 years 
8. Bapu Sewa Singh 73 years
9. Jaswant Singh UK 
10. Balwant Singh 
11. Kashmir Singh 
12. Kulwinder Singh 
13. Ashu Singh 

Maximum Security Jail, Nabha

14. Bapu Gurjant Singh 71 years
15. Harjinder Singh Kali 
16. Kulvir Singh Barra Pind 
17. Harnek Singh Bhapp 
18. Balbir Singh Bira 
19. Bakhsish Singh Baba 
20. Gurpreet Singh Khalsa 
21. Harminder Singh 
22. Daljit Singh Coach 
23. Amrajit Singh 
24. Kewal Singh Sondh 
25. Darshan Singh Baba 
26. Jagmohan Singh 
27. Gurmail Singh Boba 
28. Jaswinder Singh 
29. Gurjant  Singh 
30. Manjinder Singh 
31. Jasbir Singh Jassa 
32. Ravinder Singh Rinku 
33. Parshotam Singh Bunty 
34. Avtar Singh Materi 
35. Pargat Singh Bhalwan 
36. Harjant Singh DC 
37. Gurjant Singh 
38. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi 
39. Kulwant Singh Bant 
40. Sukhwinder Singh Boxer 
41. Sandeep Singh 
42. Harpinder Singh Chehal 
43. Piara Singh 
44. Satnam Singh 
45. Lovejeet Singh 
46. Avtar Singh 
47. Sandeep Singh
48. Mandeep Singh 
49. Ajmer Singh 
50. Balwant Singh 
51. Satnam Singh 
52. Amrik Singh 
53. Daljit Singh 
54. Lakhbir Singh 
55. Rana Partap Singh
56. Maninderjit Singh 
57. Tarandeep Singh 
58. Karamjit Singh Bunty 
59. Sarwan Singh
60. Jatinder Singh Happy 
61. Dharam Singh 
62. Kashmir Singh 
63. Labh Singh 
64. Harwinder Singh 
65. Gurwinder Singh 
District Jail, Nabha
66. Bibi Sukhjinder Kaur 
67. Surinder Singh Thikriwala 
68. Baljodh Singh 
69. Parminder Singh 
70. Narinderpal Singh 
71. Sukhjinder Singh 
72. Surinder Singh 
73. Harpreet Singh 

Central Jail, Patiala

74. Mohinder Singh 
75. Kulwant singh 
76. Warayam Singh 
77. Bhupinder Singh 



Tihar Jail, Delhi

78. Baljit Singh Bhau 
79. Tarlochan Singh 
Central Jail, Sirsa
80. Shivraj Singh 
81. Balkaran Singh 
82. Bhai Amarjit Singh 
83. Nirmal Singh 
84. Gurpreet Singh 
85. Raju Singh  
86. Gurbinder Singh Sonu 
Central Jail, Amritsar
87. Pal Singh France 
88. Narain Singh Chaurra 
89. Makhan Singh Gill 
90. Sukhdev Singh Chirra 
91. Nishan Singh 
92. Gurmukh Singh 
93. Darshan Singh 
94. Jagtar Singh 
95. Sukhwant Singh 
96. Sukhdev Singh 
97. Sher Singh Bhutal

Amfula Jail, Jammu
98. Malkeet Singh Bhotna 
99. Jagjeet Singh 
100. Surjeet Singh 
101. Harbans Singh 
(TOTAL 119)

Prepared by:
Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur
District Courts, Ludhiana
{Press Sec. SAD (PP)}
98554-01843
Released by:
SAD (Panch Pardhani), 
Dal Khalsa
Sikhs For Human Rights, 
Lawyers For Human Rights International
On 10th December 2013 (International Human Rights Day)
at Gurdwara Sahib, Sec-34, Chandigarh.
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PAKISTAN: Killing of Ms Perveen Rehman

Sun, Mar 17, 2013 at 9:24 AM

A Press Release from Front Line Defenders forwarded by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)

Perveen Rehman was a social and economic rights defender

On 13 March 2013, human rights defender Ms Perveen Rehman was shot and killed by armed motorcyclists, close to her offices. Perveen Rehman was a social and economic rights defender, working with communities in the slums of Karachi. She was director of the Orangi Pilot Project, one of Pakistan's most successful non-for-profit social programmes, which helps local communities escape from poverty. Perveen Rehman had recently been documenting the situation in villages close to Karachi, which are affected by land grabbers and religious extremists.

On 13 March 2013, as Perveen Rehman arrived at her offices in a car, armed men travelling on two motorcycles approached her and opened fire, shooting her twice on the face and once on the neck. The human rights defender was rushed to the local Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where she subsequently died of her wounds.

Perveen Rehman had previously reported being subjected to death threats. On one occasion, an armed man reportedly stormed her offices and ordered staff to leave.

On 14 March 2013, student and several civil society organisations, including Shirkatgah, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Awami Workers Party and Home-Based Women Workers Federation, held a protest against the killing of the human rights defender.

Front Line Defenders condemns the killing of Perveen Rehman, and believes it to be motivated by her peaceful and legitimate human rights work, in particular her work to defend the rights of marginalised communities in the village and slums of Karachi.

Front Line Defenders urges the authorities in Pakistan to:

1. Initiate an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the killing of Perveen Rehman, with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;

2. Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in Pakistan are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions, including physical violence and death threats.

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About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation that monitors human rights in Asia, documents violations and advocates for justice and institutional reform to ensure the protection and promotion of these rights. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.

You will be a strategic thinker

Asia/PACIFIC: AI is seeking a Regional Growth CoordinatorWed, Mar 6, 2013 at 12:57 PM

Oxford HR is working with Amnesty International (AI) to recruit a Regional Growth Coordinator (Asia Pacific).

For the past 50 years AI has brought people together to fight for human rights. Their aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, they campaign for justice, freedom and truth wherever they're denied. Already their network of over three million members and supporters is making a difference in 150 countries. And whether they're applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations, human rights education, or online campaigning, they're all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere. 

About the role
AI is embarking on a major process of evolution, to adapt to the dramatic changes in the world they operate in, and to increase the impact of their human rights work. With a new, global way of working AI have an exciting newly created position, which will develop, progress and manage a range of projects for growth within the Asia Pacific region.  Working as part of the Asia Pacific Regional Hub team in Hong Kong, this role will focus on projects with clear roots in Human Rights impact, while supporting sustainability, with the aim of contributing to the achievement of the organizational growth strategy.

In this key regional position you will collaboratively monitor Human Rights trends and developments, develop national and regional growth strategies and mobilize resources.  You will work together with both internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement the regions projects for growth by identifying gaps, sharing learning and exploring opportunities for cooperation.  You will write proposals and develop projects plans, while piloting exciting new models of presence.  You will monitor and evaluate the growth of AIs presence in the region actively contributing to the development of good practice and the growing knowledge bank of research about regional trends in civil society, activism and mobilization and constituencies. 

About the ideal candidate
We are seeking an innovative and persuasive individual who is enthusiastic about creating Human Rights change.  You will know about the trends and developments affecting Human Rights in the Asia Pacific region and have a proven track record addressing the opportunities and challenges for growth and mobilization in the region.  Your expertise in best practice activism and mobilization combined with your ability to develop strong networks and relationships with civil society, NGOs and government will ensure your successful contribution to growing AI's impact in the region.

To be successful in this position you will be a strategic thinker with strong political and cultural sensitivity.  You will have solid project management experience and the organizational development expertise to effectively diagnose organizational structures and operations. You will have a systematic approach to your work, yet be flexible and apply sound judgement.

Natasha Ralston 
Australasian Representative - Oxford HR Consultants Ltd
Jakarta, Indonesia and Adelaide, Australia
Tel: +62 (0) 813 1600 2877 | +61 (0) 449 144 280 | Skype ID: natasha.ralston77

For detailed job description and instructions on how to apply, please visit http://oxfordhr.co.uk/vacancies/regional-growth-coordinator-asia-pacific/ 

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About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation that monitors human rights in Asia, documents violations and advocates for justice and institutional reform to ensure the protection and promotion of these rights. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.

Read this News online

A Statement from the AHRC on Sri Lanka

Mon, Mar 4, 2013 at 9:17 AM
A monk leads mob violence at Maligawatta with the connivance of the police

Swarnavahini reported a raid on a house maintained at a high rise building in Maligawatta by a mob led by a Buddhist monk, Galabodathe Yanasiri, the secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (The Buddhist Power Army). Galabodathe Yanasiri claimed that a person residing there was keeping false deeds, fake ticket books and passing himself off as a Buddhist monk. A large crowd entered and searched the premises, allowed themselves to be videographed and then took the person into their custody. While this was going on the monk in charge spoke to the cameras saying that they will work towards exposing other similar incidents. Another person took the man impersonating a monk to apologise to the Buddhist people in Sri Lanka about the wrongs he had done, all of which he denied. Then another person was made to say that he was subjected to sexual harassment. 

This crowd was accompanied by some officers of the Maligawatta police and the presence of the police could be seen in the video. The report further stated that the accused culprit was later produced before a magistrate. 

The whole incident demonstrates how far mob violence is taking place in Sri Lanka. In this instance the monk who led the mob claimed that there are many more incidents happening in the country and that they intend to intervene in similar manner. 

Whatever the truth or otherwise about this man alleged to be impersonating a monk, if there was any enquiry to be done it should have been done by the police and not by the mob. The very fact that the police accompanied the mob shockingly indicates the connivance of the police in the mob violence. If this group calling themselves the Bodu Bala Sena had, in fact, received some complaints against this individual it was their duty, under the law, to refer such complaints to the police and request them to take the appropriate action under the law. 

However, when the Bodu Bala Sena act as a mob and engages in raids they are themselves violating the law and they should be charged under the law for trespass, illegal interference with the privacy of the tenant and mob violence. No monk or civilian has the power of arrest and therefore that too is a criminal offense. The monk who led the mob was also violating the law of the land. 

It is the duty of the police to arrest all the persons who participated in this mob violence and to charge them before a court of law. As there is video footage of everything that happened during this raid there should be no difficulty in identifying the persons involved and also confirming the illegal acts that they committed. The video which was shown to the public by Swarnavahini itself may be used as evidence against those who participated in these illegal activities. 

The Officer-in-Charge of the Maligawatta Police Station should be held responsible for allowing these illegal activities to take place. The Assistant Superintendent of Police and the Superintendent of Police in the area should take appropriate action to investigate the matter and take action against the police officers concerned. 

However, although this might be the position relating to the law, most likely nothing will happen as the Bodu Bala Sena is acting so boldly before cameras only because they are assured of political patronage. Thus, the allowing of mob violence happened in this instance does not seem to happen without the direct or indirect involvement of the government. What is most likely is that such activities are done with the knowledge of the Ministry of Defence. 

Civilian policing has virtually collapsed with the promulgation of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. With that the police can no longer be relied on to maintain law enforcement. This situation allows the mobs to take the law into their own hands. It is this situation that the Bodu Bala Sena is exploiting knowing that they will enjoy impunity. Many attacks on civilians by the Bodu Bala Sena have been reported, including attacks on the places of worship belonging to other religions. 

The Bodu Bala Sena has become the expression of the widespread lawlessness in the country. The failure of the government to take appropriate legal action against such activities demonstrates the government's connivance in creating a situation of lawlessness. 

It is quite likely that in the future, such mobs may attack those who are considered opponents of the government. Thus, trade unions, NGOs and individuals holding independent opinions such as journalists and the members of the press establishments can be targets of mob violence. Such mob violence could be directed towards various factions within Buddhism such as against those who claim adherence to Mahayana Buddhism. 

As the sole authority that controls the country is the executive president the failure to stop such violence should be directly placed before the president as a failure of his responsibility. 
Sri Lanka: A mob leads violence 

An appeal from CMC Ludhiana

A 15 year old girl waiting your helping hand 
Ms. Diksha d/o Late Sh. Des Raj (Hosp No: C-7366016) is a 15 year old girl from Himachal Pradesh studying in class IX. She came to CMCH in March 2012 with painful swelling of her right leg. Her investigations confirmed the diagnosis of Osteogenic Sarcoma – a type of bone cancer. This is an aggressive type of cancer but has not spread to the rest of her body. She has a high chance of cure if she completes chemotherapy and surgery. Some patients with this disease may also require Radiotherapy after surgery. The approximate expenditure for the same is Rs 2 lakh over the next 3 months. Her father passed away and she is being cared for by her mother on a pension of Rs 3000/month. 

The patient and her family are very keen for treatment and her relatives are also supporting the family in seeking treatment. She has already received 2 cycles of chemotherapy with good response in the tumour. She is currently admitted in CMC Hospital for managing low blood counts and infection which can happen due to chemotherapy. It would be a great help to the family if any financial assistance can be provided both to deal with the current crisis and to help pay for her definitive treatment. The Medical Oncology Unit at CMCH is providing some of her medicines and chemotherapy drugs at subsidized rates. However, the added expenses need to be met to enable this young girl and the family to get her back to normal life without cancer. 

We appeal to the people of Ludhiana to please come forward and help the family. If anyone is willing to contribute for the same, please contact CMC Medical Oncology helpline numbers – 09780005333/09915851194 or (cmc.oncology@yahoo.com) or Miss. Amarjit, Publicity Manager Ph: 9888588840. Donations can be deposited in the patient’s name in the form of cheque/DD in favour of “CMC Ludhiana Society”. Cash payments will also be accepted at our accounts/billing section. Donors will be eligible for tax exemption.    -Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria    

Failure to admit 1400 students in class VI

HC seeks reply from Delhi Govt.

A Delhi High Court Bench headed by the Acting Chief Justice Shri  A.K.Sikri has today issued notice to Delhi Government seeking reply by 01 May 2012 on a petition by the Social Jurist, A Civil Rights Group through Advocate Ashok Agarwal  that highlighted the fact that Delhi Government have again not started the process of admission of as many as 1400 students in Class VI in its 17 Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas (RPVVs) in the current academic year 2012-13, though the academic year has already started from 1st April, 2012.
Petition says that the Government appears to be adamant to not to start the process of admission in Class VI in the academic year 2012-13. The Government are not justified in withholding the process of admission in Class VI in RPVVs. This inaction on the part of the Government  is no less a criminal negligence as much as the same would result in non-utilisation of both physical and academic infrastructure available for the quality education of such students in these  Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas (RPVVs).  On the other hand, the ordinary Government Schools are not only over crowded but also sans quality physical and academic infrastructure.

“This inaction on the part of the Government is in violation of the fundamental rights of the school aged students as guaranteed to them under Articles 14 (right to equality), 21(right to life with dignity), 21-A right to quality education) and 38 (right to social justice) of the Constitution of India read with the provisions of Right of Children to Free & Compulsory Education Act, 2009”, submitted Ashok Agarwal.

Next date of hearing is 01 May 2012.

Amnesty international teams blogging from the ground

You can help stop the killing
The Sudanese authorities are bombing civilians in Southern Kordofan, the Sudanese state bordering the newly independent South Sudan. Unarmed men, women and children are killed or displaced. You can help stop the killing.

Above: A man in Kurchi watches an Antonov flying overhead, August 2011. More than 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes for fear of aerial bombardments by the Sudanese Armed Forces. © Carsten Stormer
Courtesy: Amnesty International 

U.S. Arms Sales to Bahrain

Amnesty International Welcomes Delay
Human Rights Group Urging Obama Administration to Halt Sales Until Human Rights Abuses Stop in Bahrain 

(Washington) – Amnesty International said today it welcomes the U.S. State Department’s announcement that the Obama administration is putting on hold $53 million in proposed U.S. arms sales to Bahrain while it assesses progress by the Bahrain authorities to stop human rights abuses in the country. 
“As long as the Bahraini government and its security forces are using violence, unjust military trials, and alleged torture against peaceful protesters, the U.S. government should not be sending more weapons there,” said Sanjeev Bery, Amnesty International USA advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa. 
On Tuesday, the Bahraini government escalated its crackdown on dissent by re-arresting an education leader who has been involved in organizing protests critical of the Bahraini monarchy.  Jalila al-Salmon, former vice president of the Bahraini Teachers Association, was seized before dawn by a force of 30 security agents who invaded her home.  She has already been sentenced to three years in prison by a flawed Bahraini military court that did not meet minimum standards of fairness and due process. She has been speaking out about the abuse she suffered while in custody. 

In Bahrain, at least 30 protesters were killed in the uprising earlier this year and many have been injured. 

Amnesty International released a report on Tuesday examining arms transfers to countries in the Middle East and North Africa that showed the United States, Russia, and several European countries supplied large quantities of weapons to repressive governments in the region which then turned the weapons against protesters during the uprisings. 

Amnesty International said its findings underlined the need for an effective global Arms Trade Treaty that takes into account the need to protect human rights. 
The report is available at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/node/97757 

In Congress, Representative James McGovern and Senator Ron Wyden have introduced legislation to oppose the proposed weapons sale to Bahrain.  In addition, Senator Robert Casey and four senators urged Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to suspend the sales.

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.8 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. 

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