Posted online by Derechos Human Rights
AI INDEX: ASA 37/11/98
19 MAY 1998
In a message to the representatives of the Liberation Tamil Tigers of
Eelam (LTTE) abroad, Amnesty International today condemned the fatal
shooting on Sunday of Sarojini Yogeswaran, the first elected Mayoress of
Jaffna in 14 years.
Sarojini Yogeswaran, a member of the Tamil United Liberation Front
(TULF), was killed at her home at 10.30 am on Sunday. Two men reportedly
arrived at her house and asked to speak to her. When she invited them
inside, one of them shot her 10 to 12 times. She was reportedly unarmed and
had no bodyguards.
Responsibility for Sarojini Yogeswaran's death has been claimed by the
"Sangilian force", a previously unknown group suspected to be a front
organization for the LTTE. The group has reportedly stated in a statement
delivered to a local newspaper that she was killed because she declined to
resign from her post, despite several warnings.
Amnesty International deplores this attack, which is in breach of
international humanitarian standards, and calls on the LTTE to make a clear
statement condemning the killing of Sarojini Yogeswaran, who, although, as
a mayoress of Jaffna, had important political responsibilities, cannot be
considered in any capacity to have taken a direct part in the conduct of
hostilities. It also appeals to the LTTE to ensure that such attacks by the
LTTE forces, or by forces under LTTE control on civilians taking no direct
part in hostilities will not be tolerated.
Sarojini Yogeswaran was sworn in to office as mayor of Jaffna in March
1998. She entered politics after the assassination of her husband, Vettival
Yogeswaran, former TULF member of parliament for Jaffna, who was killed in
1989 in an attack thought to have been the responsibility of the LTTE.
Amnesty International acknowledges the challenge Sri Lankan
authorities face in finding the suspected perpetrators of Sarojini
Yogeswaran's murder. However, it appeals to authorities engaged in the
investigation of her death to follow procedures which conform to
international standards relating to arrest and detention.