EPDP leader appeals to Presidential Committee

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 30 March 1999, 20:30 GMT]
EPDP leader Douglus Devananda sent a letter to the Presidents committee on Unlawful Arrests and Harassment regarding the arrest of Mr.S.Vinothalingam who is Secretary General of the Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO).

The text of letter follows:

Harassment of Mr.S.Vinothalingam of TELO

Mr.S.Vinothalingam who is the secretary General of Tamil Eelam Liberation Organisation (TELO) was taken into custody on 15.03.1999 and remanded under Emergency Regulations

The allegations levelled against Mr.Vinothalingam is that he had been in possession of two gold coins purported to have been issued by the LTTE. I am made to understand that the said coins had been presented to Mr.Vinothalingam by some friend when he got married a year ago.

The Emergency Regulations are meant for apprehending those who have links with the LTTE. They are not meant to be used to harass any Tamil just because he is a Tamil particularly, leaders who are well known to be opposed to the policies and activities of the LTTE.

I appeal to this committee to request the Hon.Attorney General to review this case.

Mr. Vinothalingham's wife had lost the gold coin while at a Church in Colombo. Mr.Vinothalingham had then asked the priest to contact him if the coin was found and left his address with the priest.

The priest informed the police when he found the coin with the Tiger emblem on it.