Pardon sought for suspects in remand for several years

President Maithripala Sirisena was today urged to consider a Presidential pardon for suspects who are in remand prison for over 7 years.

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament that there are some suspects in remand custody for over 7 years.

Dissanayake said that it is unreasonable for a suspect to be in?remand custody for over 7 years.

“They may be guilty or not guilty for a crime but some of them may be in for a crime which deserves a 7 year sentence or less,” he said.

Minister of Prisons Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs D,M Swaminthan said that he agrees the issue needs to be addressed.

Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said that the President has appointed a committee to look into the issue.

Dissanayake said the committee must not just look at LTTE suspects but all those in remand for several years. (Colombo Gazette)