British tourist Khuram Shaikh’s murder trial starts today

Wednesday, 26 March 2014 00:41 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The high-profile murder trial of British aid worker Khuram Shaikh, who was killed in Tangalle in December 2011, commences at the Colombo High Court today. Sheikh’s brother Nasser has already arrived in Colombo to attend the trial proceedings. The victim’s girlfriend Victoria Aleksandrovna who was sexually assaulted during the incident in Tangalle on Christmas day will also arrive in Sri Lanka to give testimony during the trial. Shaikh and Aleksandrovna had been on vacation in the island’s deep south when they were attacked. The main suspect in the murder of the British tourist is UPFA Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman for Tangalle, Sampath Vidanapathirana. Vidanipathirana was released on bail and only indicted late last year. Five other suspects are also being charged in connection with the murder. The delay in prosecutions was a result of waiting for extensive forensic test results to come back, the Government said. The British Government, including MP for Shaikh’s home constituency, Rochdale, Simon Danzuk, has heavily lobbied for the prosecution of the Briton’s killers. The issue involving a ruling party strongman became a major sticking point in the run-up to the Commonwealth Summit in Colombo, resulting in the Vidanapathirana’s indictment soon after the heads of Government meeting in November 2013. Vidanapathirana was suspended by the UPFA for his involvement in the crime, but later reinstated and continued to hold the post of Tangalle PS Chairman. (DB)

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