FSP complains to Police Commission on Police brutality at protest

Thursday, 18 June 2020 00:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Asiri Fernando

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) yesterday lodged a complaint with the National Police Commission citing Police brutality and use of excessive force when the Police sought to disband a protest organised by the party earlier this month.

“The Police Commission accepted our complaint and stated that it will be presented to the Commissioners on Thursday when they meet,” FSP Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda told Daily FT.

He explained that the party has complained about the conduct of three Police officers; Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon and the OICs of the Colpetty and Cinnamon Gardens Police stations.

The protest was organised to show solidarity against Police brutality in the US. The action by the Police on 9 June led to a public outcry about Police brutality, abuse of the powers entrusted to them and especially about the treatment of women protestors by male policemen. Footage of the arrests reignited debate about lack of accountability for what has been a longstanding issue plaguing the Police Department.

Police arrested 53 protestors and produced them before the Magistrates Court, however the suspects were granted bail by the Court last week. The FSP said that they are preparing to file a Fundamental Rights petition against the Police Department.

“We are seeking legal advice and plan to file a Fundamental Rights (FR) case regarding our unlawful arrests in the coming days,” Jayagoda added. The petition could be filed as soon as this week. The party lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka regarding the Police action last Friday.

Jayagoda stressed that the Police failed to notify them of the court order and with no prior warning assaulted them and innocent bystanders.