Fonseka to face military trial
BBC – By Charles Haviland – (Photo – AFP)
The Sri Lankan armed forces have announced that the former presidential candidate and former military chief, General Sarath Fonseka, will be put on military trial next week.
He’s to face seven charges under two broad areas and the military says the trial process is likely to be over before next month’s general election in which Fonseka intends to stand.
Sarath Fonseka will face two courts-martial, both staffed by three major-generals with a rear admiral serving as judge. One court-martial will try him on three charges of playing politics while still in uniform. The other will try him on four counts of breaking rules on military procurement.
Sarath Fonseka Campaign
The charges will be laid next Tuesday and Wednesday at the naval headquarters where General Fonseka is detained. The exact wording hasn’t been revealed and the trials will be behind closed doors. Fonseka denies any wrongdoing.
The military spokesman told the BBC Fonseka can have his own lawyers present and appeal to the higher civilian courts if found guilty. He expected the initial trial to be “over very soon”.
It’s not clear whether the detainee would be able to contest the April parliamentary election if the verdict went against him. But the general’s supporters say his detention during the election campaign is politically motivated. Senior officials have publicly accused Sarath Fonseka of plotting a coup and the assassination of President Rajapaksa and they say he’ll face a civilian trial too.
He rejects the charges and has angrily refused to cooperate with the military investigation so far. His lawyers have challenged his detention at the Supreme Court but the next hearing isn’t until late April.
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Senior Professor Rathnayake appointed to restore order at University of Ruhuna November 24, 2024
- Sri Lankan fishing vessel seized with massive drug haul in Maldives November 24, 2024
- Audit reveals misuse of electric vehicle permits for migrant workers in Sri Lanka November 23, 2024
- IMF approves third review: Sri Lanka secures $333 million tranche under EFF November 23, 2024
- Sri Lankan President urges accountability and unity for a better future November 23, 2024
Firstly we disdain this despicable illegal detention everybody know those are fabricated allegation.weakening and revenge from all political opponent is verybad. we love our war hero who emancipated our mother land. we are ready to sacrifice our life onbehalf of ace hero.
Who ever misused thir power someday or other they have to pay back God is above all. God bless our war hero
Mr. Parasad Samarasinghe, Before you made comment such comments to media, do you know about the law ? First, go to law college or read your own military law & show to the public, on which clause your own puppets can bring our Great War Hero to court martial.
When you arrest General, did you hand over a charge sheet to him ? To whom you are bullshitting ?
Mr.President,
You have to remind that saying “EVERY ACTION HAS AN OPPOSITE REACTION”. Also you should not forget about the former president of Sri Lanka Mr.Ranasinghe Premadasa. He was a hero more than you think about yourself right now. Whatever you do in your life, that may be good or bad will follow you. Regarles of any religion the severe punishment will follow each and every body in this world. People who hold swords will be distroyed by the sword. Take care.
Dayaratne Bandara.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Prasad Samarasinghe,
Your next diplomatic posting may be to the hell. Apply your best oil to Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksha.
Dayaratne Bandara.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
your great war hero’s secret is “SELF DESTRUCTION”…!!!
THE PERSON WHO DRIVEN BY EVIL, DOESN’T KNOW WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN TO HIM.!!!!!!!!!!!
That is the fate of a man who was once hailed as the best Army Commander in the world. This is all the Good work of JVP by putting this man in trouble by dragging him to “USE” him.