Several persons were arrested across the State as protests against a Sri Lankan court verdict awarding death sentence to five fishermen reached a pitch on Friday. Agitators gave vent to their anger by shouting anti-Lanka slogans and targeting the neighbouring country’s president Mahinda Rajapaksa by burning his effigies.

In Chennai, over 300 people belonging to several organisations were arrested for holding protests demanding release of the five Indian fishermen. The protestors assembled in front of the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner’s office in Nungambakkam and staged a protest. Several leaders at the protest venue alleged that the move was a deliberate ploy of the Sri Lankan Government to target the Tamil-speaking minority. The judiciary in Sri Lanka was controlled by the government and the death penalty was a move to target people from Tamil Nadu for raising human rights violations in the island nation, they claimed.

Meanwhile, in Tirupur, 18 persons were arrested when they tried to burn Rajapaksa’s effigy near the railway station. The protest was led by Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi to condemn the verdict and the Sri Lankan government.

Expressing solidarity with the fishing community, lawyers across Thanjavur district boycotted courts. As part of the protests, the advocates staged protests in front of court campuses. Around 680 lawyers boycotted the court. Similar protests were reported from Kumbakonam, with 448 lawyers boycotting work.

Meanwhile, police in Salem foiled the attempt by cadre of Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi to burn Rajapaksa’s effigy. Sources said while a group of cadre was staging a protest near the Head Post Office here, another section brought an effigy of Rajapaksa and tried to set it on fire. However, police personnel on duty foiled their bid. The cadre vacated the spot after raising slogans against Lanka and Rajapaksa.

Five Tamil Nadu fishermen were among the seven sentenced to death by a Lankan court in connection with a narcotics case. The verdict sparked spontaneous protests across the State, with support pouring in for the family members of the condemned. Similar protest was organised by the Tamilar Valvurimai cadre in Nagercoil, where they burnt the effigies of Rajapaksa and staged a protest against the verdict.

MDMK chief appears in sedition case

Chennai: MDMK general secretary Vaiko appeared before the Third Additional Sessions Court in connection with a sedition case on Friday. The case was filed under section 124 A of IPC, following his speech in a public meeting allegedly supporting LTTE on October 21, 2008. When the case came up before sessions judge Kayalvizhi, Vaiko’s counsel Devadoss cross examined complainant, Q-Branch Inspector Manivannan. (TNIE)