Negombo Prison inmates granted bail remain in custody, CPRP alleges, raising concerns over forced statements and possible evidence suppression.
Fifteen Negombo Prison inmates remain in custody despite receiving bail, according to an urgent allegation by the Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP).
The Negombo Magistrate’s Court had granted bail to the inmates, who faced minor offences. CPRP said officials had also completed the required prison release procedures.
However, the organisation alleged that prison authorities continued to detain them without obtaining a fresh court order or warrant.
In a statement issued today, July 14, at 4:00 p.m., CPRP claimed authorities were trying to suppress evidence linked to the recent violent clash at Negombo Prison. It also alleged that officials wanted to obtain forced statements from the inmates.
CPRP Lists Four Main Concerns
CPRP identified four central issues surrounding the continued detention:
- Those detained: Fifteen inmates granted bail for minor offences after officials completed their release procedures.
- Main allegation: Authorities are holding them without a new warrant or court order.
- Suspected purpose: To conceal facts surrounding the prison violence and secure forced statements.
- Demand: Immediate intervention by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.
Families Fear an Attempt to Conceal the Truth
CPRP cited relatives waiting outside the prison who alleged that authorities were committing serious human rights violations.
“Despite court orders for their release, they are not being allowed out of the prison premises. According to the information we have received, they are being held to force them to provide evidence and statements as desired by the prison officers regarding the recent clash,” CPRP stated.
Legal experts cited in the original account said detaining people without a lawful basis would violate Sri Lankan law and international human rights conventions.
Negombo Prison Investigation Faces New Questions
Civil society groups have already demanded an independent investigation into the deaths and injuries linked to the Negombo Prison violence.
CPRP warned that the continued detention of bailed inmates could seriously damage the transparency and independence of that process. The inmates may also hold important information as potential witnesses.
The organisation urged the government and relevant authorities to end what it described as arbitrary detention.
It called on the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka or the Negombo Magistrate’s Court to intervene directly, investigate the allegations and order the immediate release of the affected Negombo Prison inmates.
