Former BAR Association President and President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris has criticized the recent actions of the Police for publicly questioning the suspect arrested in the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara’s murder case.
His remarks come after a video showing Police officers interrogating the suspect soon after his arrest went viral on social media.
Peiris said arrests and criminal investigations must be conducted strictly in accordance with the procedure established by law. He warned that parading suspects before the media, getting them to make statements, and circulating such footage may excite some sections of the public but would ultimately harm the prosecution once the trial begins.
“These childish acts do not enhance the image of the Police and are counterproductive. It calls into question the professionalism of the investigators and brings disrepute to the whole system,” he added.
Peiris emphasized that adherence to due process and maintaining the integrity of investigations are vital to ensuring justice and preserving public confidence in law enforcement. (Newswire)
