BASL urges IGP to follow due process while making arrests

  The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has requested the IGP to immediately ensure that all arrests are carried out strictly according to procedures established by law. In a letter, BASL has urged the IGP that the relevant instructions be given to all police officers to follow due process. The BASL stated that it has received complaints from its members relating to arrests and detentions being carried out without adherence to due process in a manner akin to abductions. The BASL said it has received complaints from its members and the Colombo Magistrate’s Court Lawyers’ Association about the arrests of people by police officers dressed in civilian clothing and without possessing any identification. The BASL stated that people so arrested have been taken away in unidentifiable vehicles and kept for several hours at undisclosed locations. On these occasions, no receipts of arrest have been issued, nor an opportunity was given to the people arrested to inform relatives, friends, or lawyers of their whereabouts The BASL maintained that on these occasions, the suspects have been deprived of access to attorneys-at-law or the Human Rights Commission for a few hours.