by Melani Manel Perera

The Anglican Bishop Duleep De Chickera condemns the sentencing of the Gen. Fonseka, reiterating the need for a fair trial in the interest of the country. The commander’s case of the is just the latest in a trend of arbitrary applications of the law that lead to a "critical point" in the nation’s political history.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - The Anglican Bishop Duleep De Chickera has signed and issued a special declaration on October 14 last, expressing his disapproval and disappointment at the recent conviction and imprisonment of General. Sarath Fonseka. Even a senior member Mp - the opposition party - said he was ashamed as a citizen of the nation.

In the statement, the Anglican prelate said: "Today it is evident to many citizens that Gen. Fonseka has been denied the opportunity of a fair trial. Consequently what Gen. Fonseka needs is not pardon but justice" The bishop continued: "Such a recourse to justice through an impartial legal process is imperative not because Gen. Fonseka is a former Army Commander or because of his military prowess; he is entitled to this right as a citizen of the Country If he is thereafter found to be guilty he must be dealt with under the same impartial legal process and the people will be required to accept such a judgment".

The rev. De Chickera adds that however serious General Fonseka’s case may be, it should not be considered an isolated one: "It is just one high profile case of what has happened to less prominent and forgotten persons who having been deprived access to the due process of law, languish in prison and detention centers. They also need justice immediately. "

The bishop also pointed to a growing culture of arbitrary rewards and punishments that has led the country to a critical crossroads in its political history: “The Government is fast losing credibility as the authority chosen by the people to safeguard the rights of its citizens and ensure justice for all. The opposition; in disarray and obsessed with its own power struggles is unable to make a difference on behalf of the people".

Opposition MP Mangala Samaraweera yesterday visited Fonseka in prison. After he met with reporters, declaring that all citizens of the nation should be ashamed for allowing what has happened. Buddhist and Catholic leaders have launched an appeal on behalf of Fonseka, and different civil and political groups held protests against the detention of the former army commander.

General Fonseka has consistently accused the government of trying to keep him out of politics and seeking revenge for his decision to stand against the president Rajapaksa. He still faces charges of revealing state secrets—an offence that carries a 20-year jail term.

 

• Sri
• Lanka
• general
• sarath
• fonseka
• prison
• detention
• justice
• democracy
• protest