Rape case reported to UN official [TamilNet, October 01, 2002 18:43 GMT]

The United Nations Rapporteur on Violence against Women has been informed of the brutal sexual assault and torture on twenty three year old Sathasivam Rathykala, a Batticaloa Tamil woman, by a group of policemen at the Polonaruwa police station on 24.11.2001. A human rights activist and an Attorney-at-Law, Mr.K.Sivapalan, Tuesday sent a copy of the medical report of the Batticaloa Judicial Medical Officer Dr.S.Chandrapalan in this regard to UN Rapporteur Ms Radhika Kumarasamy for further action.

According to JMO's report that Ms Sathasivam Rathykala was subjected to severe torture and sexual assault by twelve police personnel during the night of 24.11.2001. On the orders of the Eastern High Court, the Judicial Medical Officer examined the victim and submitted a report. The HC Judge released the victim last week on surety bail.

The JMO's report was sent to UN Rapporteur Tuesday through the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Trincomalee.

Copies of the JMO's report have been sent to the Attorney General and the Chairman of Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission for necessary action.