People ‘s Council of Eelam Tamils (VETD) has urged the German government to immediately stop the deportation of a Tamil torture survivor and asylum-seeker, Sasi K.
Sasi K. moved to Germany in 2015 and was taken into immigration detention in Büren last Friday. His deportation is set to take place on Tuesday 3 August at 4.50 p.m at Frankfurt airport.
VETD's statement highlights that Sasi K. was detained and tortured by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) during the armed struggle which has had lasting physical effects. It also details a letter from a former Tamil MP in Sri Lanka which warns that his deportation would infringe his right to family life protected under the Residence Act. It further notes that his forceful departure would have long-lasting impacts on his severely disabled wife.
Stoppt die Abschiebung von Sasi K.
— VETD (@VETD_official) August 1, 2021
Sasi, ein Tamile, wurde in #SriLanka gefoltert und ist 2015 nach D geflohen. Am Dienstag soll er zurück in den Folterstaat abgeschoben werden. Helft uns diese Abschiebung zu verhindern!!! Unterstützung: [email protected]#StopDeportation pic.twitter.com/rrYOqt3yVH
VETD stresses that the deportation is “incomprehensible considering the catastrophic human rights record” in Sri Lanka. It notes that with the widening militarisation of the country, systematic torture and sexual violence is also increasing. “In addition, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) does not guarantee the rule of law, as detainees can be arrested for an indefinite period of time without a hearing”, it added.
The statement concluded by emphasising UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, most recent report and EU Parliament’s resolution on Sri Lanka, which expressed serious concerns over Sri Lanka’s deteriorating human rights situation.
Between April and June 2021, Germany deported over 50 Tamil refugees to Sri Lanka despite the risk of persecution and torture that they face on the island.
Read the full statement here
