Mannar rape victim disappears before court hearing

[TamilNet, Monday, 19 September 2005, 17:16 GMT]
Mr.M.Remedius, human rights lawyer said Monday that Ms Ehambaram Wijakala, one of the two women complainants in the Mannar rape incident is reported to be missing and the other victim Ms Sinnathamby Sivamani has received threats that she will be killed if she gives evidence in Anuradhapura High Court where the case is listed for hearing on Wednesday September 21, legal sources said.

Twelve policemen of Sri Lanka Police and two soldiers of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) have been indicted with rape and torture of these two complaints while in the custody of the Mannar Police during the month of March in 2001, legal sources said.

Counsel Mr.Remedius is watching the interest of these two women complainants in this case, legal sources said.