The decision to release three suspects in the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge has drawn strong criticism from media and civil rights activists, who alleged that it is an attempt to protect criminals.
On January 27, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe informed the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that legal proceedings would not continue against three key suspects in the case.
According to the letter, former Army Intelligence Officer Prem Ananda Udalagama, former Mt. Lavinia Crimes OIC SI Tissasiri Sugathapala, and former DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara could be released.
Rights groups have accused Attorney General Ranasinghe of failing to ensure accountability and have demanded justice for Wickrematunge, who was slain on January 9, 2009.
Meanwhile, a protest organized by the Young Journalists’ Association is set to take place opposite the Attorney General’s Department on Thursday at 12 noon.
The organizers are calling for the Attorney General’s resignation and demanding transparency regarding the orders to release suspects in the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder case. (Newswire)
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