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Leading News from Sri Lanka ::
The opposition leader, who was in India on a private visit during the arrest of General Fonseka, said in a special media release today that the government's action is despicable and a clear blow to the democracy.
Mr. Wickremasinghe, a lawyer himself, said the government has failed to issue a clear statement against the General but has instead accused him of plotting against the government which is against the Penal Code and General Fonseka should have been arrested by the Police and not by the military under Military law.
The opposition leader said Fonseka had always maintained that he did not dabble in politics while he was in active military duty and pointed out instances in other countries where the ex-military chiefs entered politics.
This arrest carried out under Military Law is in violation of Fundamental rights and also of the Constitution, he said questioning whether the government can hold General Fonseka liable to be charged under the Army Act.
The government however, said any military officer or a soldier is liable to charge under the Military Act for a period of six months after their departure from the force. General Fonseka left his position as the Chief of Defence Staff in November 2009.
Mr. Wickremasinghe said he has discussed the situation with General Fonseka's wife and his family and they fear for his life as there is no information regarding where he is being detained.
The government said General Fonseka is not hindered from exercising all his constitutional rights and he has access to his lawyer and family.
Opposition parliamentarian Jayalath Jayawardena told CNN that Fonseka was being held at the Navy Headquarters in Colombo and that his wife and attorney were given access to him.
Leader of the Mahajana Wing Mangala Samaraweera, one of the spokesmen for Fonseka called the arrest 'an abduction'.
"This is not an arrest. This is an abduction," he told reporters.
The opposition leader said they have discussed this matter within their party and other parties as well.
"We will discuss further regarding the steps we have to take. We will begin the struggle to free Sarath Fonseka," Mr. Wickremasinghe promised.
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Feb 09, Colombo: Calling the arrest of the common opposition candidate and former military chief General Sarath Fonseka is illegal, undemocratic and against the nation’s constitution and the rule of law, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe said the opposition strongly condemns the arrest and would start the struggle for his freedom.