Disappearance of priest in Sri Lanka

URGENT ACTION
DATE: 23 August 2006

Dissappearance of Rev. Fr. Thiruchchelvan Nihal Jim Brown

The Tamil Information Centre (TIC) is deeply concerned over the disappearance of Allaipiddy Parish priest Rev. Fr. Thiruchchelvan Nihal Jim Brown since 20 August 2006. A report on his disappearance by Fr J. J. Bernard, Director of the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Jaffna, Sri Lanka is attached for your information. The TIC believes that there is a campaign of "systematic extermination" of human rights defenders by the Sri Lankan security forces and armed groups allied to them in northeast Sri Lanka.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send urgent appeals to,

• take immediate action to clarify the whereabouts of Rev. Fr. Thiruchchelvan Nihal Jim Brown;
• follow through with a thorough investigation into Fr. Jim Brown's disappearance and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice in civilian courts; and
• urge the authorities to take immediate measures to ensure safety of social and human rights workers and others involved in assisting victims of violence.

APPEALS TO:

President Mahinda Rajapakse
Presidential Secretariat,
Colombo 1, Sri Lanka
Fax: + 94 11 2333703

Mr Gotabhaya Rajapakse
Secretary, Ministry of Defence, 15/5 Baladaksha Mawatha,
Colombo 3, Sri Lanka
Fax: + 94 11 254 1529

Mr. K. C. Kamalasabayson
Attorney General
Attorney General's Department
Colombo 12, Sri Lanka
Fax: +94 11 2 436 421

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