JMO gives evidence in Tissainayagam case

[TamilNet, Thursday, 20 November 2008, 15:17 GMT]
The Voire Dire inquiry to ascertain whether the confession made by journalist J.S.Tissanayagam to the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) of the Sri Lanka Police was a voluntary one or one made under threat and duress in custody is being continued in the Colombo High Court Judge, legal sources said. The Additional Judicial Medical Officer, U. Mayuratharan, gave evidence when the case was taken up for inquiry on Tuesday.

When questioned by Defence Counsel Anil Silva appearing for Tissanayagam, the JMO said that he examined Jaseeharan who was arrested along with Tissanayagam.  JMO added that he observed eight contusions visible on his outer body and these contusions could have been caused by a blunt weapon like a straight rod without sharp edges. The JMO said he submitted two reports to the Supreme Court and the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. The JMO also said that he had said in those reports that contusions had been the results of a blunt weapon.

Under cross examination by the State Counsel Sudharsana de Silva the JMO said contusions could have been caused before May 9 or subsequently, since he could not ascertain the nature of the force with certainty.

Counsel Anil Silva with Nalin Laduwahetty and Ms Sharmanine Gunasekara appeared for Tissanayagam. State Counsel Sudharsana de Silva represented the Attorney General.

The inquiry has been put off for another date.

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