Jaffna Univ. student produced in court

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 17 July 2001, 14:26 GMT]
The Jaffna University Undergraduate detained by the Sri Lanka army and Police since 2 July was produced before a judge in the northern town Tuesday. The student, Krishnasamy Thivviyan, told the judge in open court that he bled from his nose and mouth when he was severely assaulted in detention. The judge remanded the student until 24 July.

The judge directed the Police to admit Thivviyan to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital and to obtain a medical report about his condition. He also directed the Police to provide security to the student at the hospital.

The judge said that he cannot release Thivviyan on bail until he receives the Attorney General's report on the matter.

The undergraduate showed the blood soaked handkerchief with which he had wiped his bleeding nose and mouth after he was assaulted by soldiers who arrested and detained him.

The student's arrest and detention by the Sri Lanka army led to widespread protests in the north and east.