The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly condemned extrajudicial killings, stating they are never a solution to rising criminal activity.
In a statement issued yesterday, the BASL emphasized that crime can only be curbed when the State adheres to the rule of law.
The BASL called on the Acting Inspector General of Police to initiate an impartial inquiry into the deaths of two individuals in police custody and the killing of a suspect inside a courtroom. The association urged authorities to take all necessary steps to prevent similar instances of encounter killings and custodial deaths in the future.
The statement comes after two suspects were shot by police while in custody on February 21, allegedly during a confrontation. It is reported that the two suspects were involved in a killing that occurred earlier that night in Kotahena.
The BASL highlighted concerns over the frequency of such incidents, noting that previous encounter killings have occurred without proper investigations or accountability. “This inaction has led to allegations of impunity on the part of the State, resulting in a significant loss of public confidence in the justice system,” the BASL stated.
The association reiterated the need for police officers involved in custodial deaths and extrajudicial killings to be held accountable, stressing that such actions undermine the rule of law and public trust.
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