Although the government claims that there are no political prisoners in the country, there are around 300 individuals held without charges for years, Parliamentarian Ajith Kumara said.

 

Speaking to media after his visit to the Magazine Prison at Welikada yesterday, Ajith Kumara said that most of them have been arrested on allegedly supporting the LTTE. However, it is an irony that they are being held behind bars while some of those who have definitely been part of the LTTE live freely.

 

Those individuals in detention wanted to know if they were responsible for the destruction of thirty years of war, Ajith Kumara said.

 

The parliamentarian added that the rulers of the country are to be blamed for the massive destruction brought forth by the war.

 

Ajith Kumara visited the prison as part of the campaign by the Movement for Equal Rights which urge the release of political prisoners. The MER is an organization attached to the Frontline Socialist Party.