Sumanthiran speaks of PTA detainees’ plight in light of bail for Ahnaf, Hijaz

• Says 300-400 PTA detainees languishing for years without bail
• Some have spent 20 to 30 years in detention
• Calls for repeal of PTA in toto
• Govt. presents Bill to amendment PTA to House

While welcoming the release on bail of Attorney Hijaz Hizballah after two years in detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) Act, TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran told Parliament yesterday that there

TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran

are 300-400 poisoners being held under the PTA, some incarcerated for 20-30 years, whose plight is neglected.

He said that only a few notable persons have been released on bail under the PTA including the poet Ahnaf Jazeem and attorney Hejaaz Hizballah after the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and other organisations drew attention to their plight and named them prisoners of conscience.

“There are many others who have not had the fortune of being named a prisoners of conscience and some have spent 20-30 years in jail. There are 300 to 400 detained under the PTA no one talks of,” the TNA MP said.

He also questioned why the Minister of Foreign Affairs had presented the Bill to Parliament to amend the PTA on the same day that Justice Minister Ali Sabry was quoted as saying that the PTA would  be repealed, and a new anti-terrorism law enacted.

“The PTA must be repealed in Toto. These amendments are not even an eyewash,” he said.

Foreign Minister G.L. Pieris presented the PTA (Amendment) Bill to Parliament yesterday. No date has been fixed for the debate on the Bill.