Prisoners’ Rights Committee demands end to torture after Negombo inmates transfers

The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners has called on authorities to immediately halt alleged assaults and torture of inmates transferred from Negombo Prison following recent unrest. In a media release issued today (07), the Committee said it had received credible information that prisoners moved to other facilities, including Welikada Prison, were being subjected to severe beatings and mistreatment by prison officers. The statement expressed strong displeasure over such acts, stressing that violence against detainees violates fundamental rights and must be stopped without delay. The Committee urged all responsible officials to ensure the protection of prisoners and uphold human rights standards in the handling of those transferred. Around 734 inmates were moved to other prisons for safety reasons following the unrest at the Negombo Prison, according to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, who briefed the Parliament on the incident. (Newswire)