Second UK Arrest in Sri Lanka War Crimes Probe
Counter Terrorism detectives hunting alleged war crimes linked to Sri Lanka’s brutal civil war in the early 2000s have pulled a second UK suspect into custody. They are now urgently appealing for anyone with information to come forward and help crack the case.
Victims and Witnesses Urged to Speak Out
Commander Dominic Murphy said: “These crimes have had a lasting, significant impact on victims and witnesses. We’ve already made two arrests, showing real progress in investigating these serious offences. But we need more eye-witness accounts to build a strong case.”
He added: “If you lived in Sri Lanka during that time or have family or friends who did, and have not yet spoken to us, please do. We will support you, and your information will be handled in the strictest confidence.”
How to Contact the War Crimes Team
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 (0)800 789 321 – calls treated confidentially
Details on the Arrests and Investigation
A man in his 60s was arrested in south London on November 21, 2023, suspected of offences under the International Criminal Court Act relating to a deadly political rally in Jaffna in late 2001, where two people were killed. He was released on bail but remains under investigation.
This follows a 2022 arrest of a 48-year-old man tied to the murder of journalist Mylvaganam Nimalarajan in 2000. He was released under investigation with inquiries ongoing.
Both cases stem from a 2017 referral to the Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) War Crimes Team. This specialist unit handles war crimes and crimes against humanity nationwide without diverting local police resources.
For more on the joint police and CPS guidelines on war crimes cases, visit: CPS War Crimes Referral Guidelines.
