Description

Prominent civil society leader Velan Swamigal was arrested on 18th of January, for reportedly 'obstructing the duties of police' during the protest held on 15th of January, during President’s visit to Jaffna. Swamigal joined the protest organized by Tamil families of the disappeared and University of Jaffna students on the day. Soon after the arrest, he was presented before the Jaffna magistrate, and granted bail. Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP and lawyer M A Sumanthiran represented Swamigal at Jaffna's Magistrate Court. Speaking to the media after his release, Sumanthiran said Swamigal was accused of "hoisting a black flag against the Sri Lankan president, obstructing the duties of the police, and wounding a police officer" during the protest. He added that it was a peaceful protest and people here have the right to show that they reject the current president.