Catherine Ashton bezorgd over aanklacht Srilankaanse rechter (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 18 January 2013

PRESSE 21

Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton i, on behalf of the EU on the impeachment of Sri Lankan Chief Justice

The EU has followed with considerable concern the recent impeachment process against Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake

The separation of powers is inherent in any democracy which respects the rule of law. It follows that the independence of the judicial branch cannot be made subject to actions by any other branch of government

It is vital that Sri Lanka ensures that its international obligations, and in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, are implemented

The EU calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to respect the right to peaceful protest and to ensure the safety both of Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake and of all human rights defenders

Rue de la Loi 175 B - 1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: + 32 (0)2 28 1 63 19 Fax: +32 (0)2 28 1 8026 press.office(@,consilium.europa.eu http://www.consilium.europa.eu/Newsroom