A/HRC/7/3/Add.6
page 28
Introduction
1.
The following accounts are based on allegations by detainees while being interviewed by
the Special Rapporteur. Detainees who requested anonymity are indicated below as Detainee
(in bold). Many detainees requested absolute confidentiality due to fears of reprisals and their
allegations are not contained in the present appendix (names known to the Special Rapporteur).
The Special Rapporteur conducted visits to detention facilities unannounced and was able to hold
private interviews with detainees, in general.
I. TERRORIST INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT (TID), COLOMBO
(Visited on 2 and 7 October 2007)
2.
The Terrorist Investigation Department (TID) is located in the High Security Zone in
Colombo, and is one of the two facilities in the capital (the other being the Criminal
Investigation Department) where alleged terrorist suspects are transferred to for questioning
following arrest. On the day of the Special Rapporteur’s first visit, there were 57 male detainees
and 9 females. The detention facilities are comprised of two wings, one for male detainees, and
one for females and children. The male wing holds a cell block with eight tiled cells each
approximately 1.5 x 2.5 metres. During the day, the detainees can leave their cells to stand or
walk in the narrow corridor. During night time, they are locked in the cells, with up to
four persons per cell. Some sleep in the corridor. The entire facility lacks natural light and
ventilation is very poor; made worse in hot weather. Two washing facilities serve the 57 male
detainees. The female wing is comprised of two small cells and a short corridor. The ICRC
comes every month. On Saturdays, the detainees can receive short family visits. The Special
Rapporteur was received by the Director of TID, Senior Superintendent of Police,
Nandana Munasinghe.
3.
Most of the detainees who alleged torture requested absolute confidentiality and their
testimonies are not included in this report. Detainees were afraid of both the officers and alleged
spies among the detainees. Those who had been talking to the Special Rapporteur during his first
visit were taken out of their cells and subjected to reprisals, including threats and ill-treatment by
Inspector of Police Saman and Police Constable Perera shortly after the delegation departed.
The Special Rapporteur was also informed about several attempts by TID officers to obstruct his
investigations during his first visit. Detainees, including children, had been taken out of their
cells for the purpose of hiding them from the Special Rapporteur. A group of 12 detainees was
held for a prolonged period of time in a bus outside TID during the Special Rapporteur´s visit.
4.
K.J., aged 16. Four months ago, he was arrested by the police in Batticaloa
(Kalawanchidud), and brought to TID. He was a member of the Karuna group and sought to
leave it by shooting himself in the foot. He reported that he has no problems with the TID
officers. His parents cannot afford to come and visit him.
5.
Detainee. He was never tortured but knows of others who were beaten and suspended.
In recent days, just prior to the Special Rapporteur’s visit, a relatively high number of detainees,
around 17 or 18, had been either released from TID or remanded into custody in other facilities.
On the morning of the visit, TID tried to hide eight children (four boys and four girls aged
around 15 years from Batticaloa) by moving them to the first floor. The TID officers regularly
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