(UTV | COLOMBO) – Ambassador for Human Rights in Europe expressed their deep concerned by the continued incarceration of prominent Sri Lankan human rights activist and Attorney-at-Law Hejaaz Hizbullah since April 2020.
The Human Rights Ambassadors of Germany, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (UK) called on Sri Lankan authorities to respect due process and human rights defenders.
“We remain deeply concerned by the continued incarceration of reputed Lawyer Mr. Hejaaz Hizbullah since April 2020. We regret to note that after ten months of detention, Mr. Hizbullah is now being accused of speech-related offenses under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and other laws.
“Mr. Hizbullah is a leading advocate of the rights of people from the minority communities including Muslims in Sri Lanka, and a vocal critic of discriminatory policies.
“We note that the role of human rights defenders is crucial to the protection and promotion of human rights in a country. Governments have a special responsibility to protect human rights defenders, and prevent their persecution.
“We join the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, special procedures mandate holders, in urging the Government of Sri Lanka to respect human rights defenders such as Mr. Hizbullah,” they said.
