A protest organized by the Young Journalists’ Association was staged opposite the Attorney General’s Department this afternoon, demanding justice in investigation into the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga in 2009.

The organizers called for the Attorney General’s resignation and demanded transparency regarding the orders to release three key suspects in the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder case.

On January 27, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe informed the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that legal proceedings would not continue against three key suspects in the case.

According to the letter, former Army Intelligence Officer Prem Ananda Udalagama, former Mt. Lavinia Crimes OIC SI Tissasiri Sugathapala, and former DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara could be released.

Responding to criticisms into the Attorney General’s recommendation, the government said it will look into the matter and study the recommendation. (Newswire)

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Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayathissa said that the government is looking into the Attorney General’s recommendation to release three suspects in the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge.

“The government has no intention of sweeping this under the carpet. We have no intention to set the guilty free. The government will take some time to study this matter and we will do justice by the citizens of this country. We will not dishonour the people’s mandate,” Jayathissa said.

The comments came after the Attorney General’s decision drew strong criticism from media and civil rights activists, who alleged that it is an attempt to protect criminals.

The controversy arose after the Attorney General’s Department said that it would not proceed with legal action against the three suspects in the case.

The Minister responding to concerns raised by journalists on similar incidents, said that delays in certain investigations, are due to certain technical difficulties, and not due to government intervention.

On January 27, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe informed the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that legal proceedings would not continue against three key suspects in the case.

According to the letter, former Army Intelligence Officer Prem Ananda Udalagama, former Mt. Lavinia Crimes OIC SI Tissasiri Sugathapala, and former DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara could be released. (Newswire)

The post Govt to look into decision to release Lasantha murder suspects appeared first on Newswire.

The decision to release three suspects in the assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge has drawn strong criticism from media and civil rights activists, who alleged that it is an attempt to protect criminals.

On January 27, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe informed the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that legal proceedings would not continue against three key suspects in the case.

According to the letter, former Army Intelligence Officer Prem Ananda Udalagama, former Mt. Lavinia Crimes OIC SI Tissasiri Sugathapala, and former DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara could be released.

Rights groups have accused Attorney General Ranasinghe of failing to ensure accountability and have demanded justice for Wickrematunge, who was slain on January 9, 2009.

Meanwhile, a protest organized by the Young Journalists’ Association is set to take place opposite the Attorney General’s Department on Thursday at 12 noon.

The organizers are calling for the Attorney General’s resignation and demanding transparency regarding the orders to release suspects in the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder case. (Newswire)

The post Decision to release Lasantha murder suspects sparks outrage, protest planned appeared first on Newswire.