60 civilians seek protection with HRC Jaffna in 2 months

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 05 September 2007, 02:01 GMT]
Around sixty civilians including youths, young women and family men have sought protection with Jaffna Human Rights Commission (HRC) due to death threats from Sri Lanka Army (SLA)and SLA-backed paramilitaries, in July and August, HRC sources said. Jaffna Prison is over crowded, and with more persons requesting protection, HRC officials are looking for alternative ways to provide safety for those seeking help, civil sources in Jaffna said.

Altogether 61 civilians, 48 through Jaffna Court, 10 through Point Pedro Court and one each through Chaavakachcheari, Mallaakam and Kayts courts have been placed in protective custody in Jaffna prison in July and August.

Jaffna prison, already overcrowded, lacks basic facilities.

Besides, more civilians have contacted HRC seeking help, and the number is expected to swell in the next few days, according to HRC.

On Monday alone 14 civilians surrendered to HRC Jaffna offices.

During the last 2 weeks in August, 5 have been shot dead in Jaffna peninsula while 22 have been abducted. 11 have sought protection with Jaffna HRC due to death threats.

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