JVP demands release of Aragalaya activists detained under PTA, insists there is no evidence against them

Claims mandate to drive out Wickremesinghe govt.

The JVP has called on the government to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and release the Aragalaya activists detained under the PTA.

Addressing the media at the party headquarters in Pelawatte, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said on Tuesday that three student activists including the convener of the Inter University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige were detained under the PTA, and they had not been produced in court as there was no evidence against them.

Silva said some of the Aragalaya activists taken into custody on several earlier occasions had been released by the court as there was no evidence against them.

Silva said that the police knew that the three activists too would get bail if they are produced before the courts as there was no evidence against them. “The government is now using the PTA to detain them without producing them in court. We urge the government to repeal the PTA and release the student activists,” he said.

Silva said it was surprising that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had campaigned for repealing the PTA during the Yahapalana government, was now using it to take revenge.

The JVP General Secretary said that the government was using police to crack down on public protests. “We unequivocally condemn police attacks on protesters. The right to peaceful protest has been guaranteed by the country’s Constitution.”

Silva said President Wickremesinghe, appointed by the Pro-Rajapaksa elements, was continuously repressing the people. “Instead of attempting to resolve the many issues faced by the country today, Wickremesinghe is keen on instilling fear in the people who are asking for solutions and relief,” he said.

He accused the government of attempting to suppress students, fishermen, and even the media.

“He is protecting the Rajapaksas. He is repressing even peaceful protests while appearing to be liberal and democratic,” Silva added.

Silva said the JVP wanted the government to stop all forms of repression. “Wickremesinghe will have to run away like Gotabaya.”

“The people have a right to oust this government that has no mandate. The JVP along with the National People’s Power is ready to lead the effort. The party will launch a wave of protests calling for the current government to step down. The government must be shown the power of the people and be forced to dissolve the current Parliament, allowing the people to choose a Government of their choice,” Silva said.

NPP MP Dr Harini Amarasuriya also addressed the press.