A signature protest organised to demand the release of Tamil political prisoners near the public market in Kilinochchi town was interrupted and obstructed by Sri Lankan police earlier today. The event was part of a wider campaign across Vavuniya, Mannar, and Mullaitivu districts, calling for the release of individuals detained for extended periods under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and those re-arrested despite court orders to release following rehabilitation.
As organisers from the Villagers Welfare Association prepared to launch the protest, the Kilinochchi Traffic Police arrived on the scene and used loudspeakers to order the event to stop, claiming prior permission was required. This intervention disrupted the peaceful protest, sparking dissatisfaction among participants.
Religious leaders, civil society representatives, social activists, and members of the general public gathered to sign the petition, demonstrating broad community support for the release of Tamil political prisoners.
The campaign reflects widespread frustration in the Tamil homelands over the prolonged detention of individuals under the PTA. Introduced in 1979, the it has been criticised for enabling indefinite detention without charge, often disproportionately targeting Tamils. The abusive counterterrorism law has been used with abandon by Sri Lankan authorities although the armed conflict ended over fifteen years ago. Those arrested most recently have typically included relatives and friends of fallen Tamil fighters holding vigils and memorials.
Activists are also demanding the release of individuals who, after undergoing rehabilitation and being cleared by the courts, have been re-arrested and detained.
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