REVISED: Jeyakumary and other political prisoners released on bail today

362 long days since B. Jeyakumary’s arrest on the 13th of March, 2015, she, along with a number of (exact number to be confirmed), other political prisoners were released on bail, by the Colombo Chief Magistrate Court, today (10th). The Court ordered her to report every month, to a Police station nearest to her, and her passport is to be impounded. In addition, she was released on a Rs. 200,000 Surety Bond.

Mahalingam Padmawathy, a 64 years old woman was also among those who were released on bail today.

Another detainee, R. Geethasutha, who is currently 5 1/2 months pregnant, was also discharged today, as there were no charges against her.

Whilst we welcome the conditional release of Jeyakumary and the others, we will continue to campaign for their unconditional release and the release of all political prisoners held without charges under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

In order for the Government of Sri Lanka and the judiciary to prove there sincere commitment to ensuring justice via due process, they need to at the very least commit to the following;

– Repeal the PTA with immediate effect

– Release, at least on bail, all those held in detention without charges, until all investigations (if any,) are concluded

– Put in place a efficient procedure/mechanism to review ALL cases under the PTA (those charged & pending sentencing, and those not charged), and look to fast-track and conclude these cases with much needed urgency.

Thank you to all those who supported this campaign and I hope you continue to support the cause of ensuring the release of all political prisoners held without charges under the PTA.