2ND LEAD (Correction)

Tamileelam court extends remand for Sri Lanka Policemen

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 25 October 2005, 12:56 GMT]
Tamileelam courts in Kilinochchi Monday rejected bail offer for three Sri Lanka policemen who are being held in custody for entering LTTE controlled areas without prior permission and ordered further investigations into their activities. The case was heard before Ms Sadhana, District Judge, Monday morning in Kilinochchi, under Act 94 of the Criminal Code of Tamileelam Courts.




Inspector of Tamleelam Police, P. Bhavani, told the Courts that the explanations the three Sri Lankan officers gave for entering LTTE controlled areas were not satisfactory and as suspicions still remain, they are continuing investigations.

The police officer pointed out that initially the defendents refused to reveal their true identity.

Ms Bhavani pointed out that the arrested officers gave contradicting statements. She quoted reports from the Political Divison of the LTTE mentioning the area in which the suspects were arrested was a crossing point frequently breached by Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

Officer Bhavani argued that the Officers are from Sri Lankan Justice Department and have full knowledge of the legal implications in tresspassing into LTTE territory. They were arrested while in hiding, Ms Bhavani told the judge.

Tamileelam Police pointed out that the case was being conducted according to Tamileelam Penal code, Act No.81. The suspects were being detained according to Act 94 which allows detention for 91 days while being investigated and a further 150 days, if necessary.

The attorney for the defendants, Mr.S.Velavar, pointed out that the Sri Lankan officers were being detained for the last two months and the Tamileeleam Police has not filed formal charges against them. Arguing that mere suspicion was inadequate for continued remand, the attorney pleaded they be released on bail while investigations are proceeding. He quoted the letters submitted by the suspects, pleading for bail and promising appearance in Courts when summoned.

Ms Sadhana, the District court judge, Kilinochchi, rejected the pleas, ordering further remnd till 14 November 2005 and instructed the Tamileelam Police to continue investigations.