Tamils in the North-East are very afraid of coming forward to submit evidence to the OHCHR Investigation into Sri Lanka (OISL) underway, said TNA MP Maavai Senathirajah.
"People are scared," Senathirajah said, speaking to Tamil Guardian after a meeting with Tamils in London on Friday.
"The government has issued severe threats [against Tamils wishing to submit evidence] and intimidation is extremely prevalent," he said, adding that there was no guarantee of protection to witnesses.
"The government is also trying to counter Tamil witnesses, by making its own submissions," Senathirajah added.
The OISL investigation, mandated by the UN Human Rights Council in March this year, is currently calling on witnesses to come forward. The deadline for witness submission is the end of this month on October 30.
See related articles:
Fundamental and far-reaching accountability needed in Sri Lanka says UN Human Rights Chief (25 Sep 2014)
SLFP to examine NPC resolution calling for OISL access (13 Sep 2014)
Govt deciding on action against those who submit evidence to UN inquiry (07 Sep 2014)
TNPF urges people to submit evidence to UN inquiry (04 Sep 2014)
Call for submissions as 'OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka' begins (05 Aug 2014)
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