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

Brussels, 21-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — 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.

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