In a strongly-worded letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Samagi Youth Lawyers Movement has condemned the professional conduct of certain police officials in their handling of recent investigations. The youth group highlighted two specific cases, including the murder of businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, criticizing the premature release of sensitive information to the media.
The Samagi Youth Lawyers Movement pointed out that the release of confessions by suspects, evidence, and other relevant case materials to the media before being presented in court is not only detrimental to the legal process but also poses a threat to the lives of those involved.
“Such actions could seriously impede justice for the victims and endanger the safety of all parties involved,” the group stated.
The handling of the investigation into the murder of a businessman Wasantha Perera, also known as “club Wasantha’ was widely criticised and brought to the attention of parliamentarians.
The premature dissemination of evidence to the media, the lawyers argued, undermines the fundamental principle that suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
In another instance, the collective condemned the comments made by the Police Media Spokesperson regarding the recent deaths of two students at the Altair building.
The spokesperson’s assertions that the deaths were suicides and the assumptions about the deceased students being drug users were described as “utterly irresponsible.” The group stressed that these comments were harmful to the victims and their families.
The Samagi Youth Lawyers Movement has called on the Police Chief to scrutinize the professional conduct of the officers involved and to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future. “It is imperative that the integrity of the legal process is upheld, and the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected,” the group emphasized. (Newswire)