British MP, Bob Blackman, has joined a number of British MPs and Tamil activists who have called on the UK Foreign Secretary to impose Magnitsky style sanctions on Sri Lankan army commander, Shavendra Silva.
“We need to sanction Silva […] to make clear that his behaviour was reprehensible, unacceptable, and he needs to be held to account for the decisions he took” stated Blackman.
In his statement, he further highlighted the reporting by the ITJP which details the numerous allegations of war crimes against Silva relating to his role as commander of Sri Lanka’s notorious 58th Division. Allegations include the indiscriminate shelling of no-fire zones where tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were instructed by the government to take shelter.
Blackman further highlights that eyewitnesses detailed that Silva was present when hundreds of Tamil surrendered to the army during the last days and were disappeared in army custody
“The mothers of the disappeared still don’t know what happened” Blackman notes.
He further urged the Foreign Secretary to follow the lead of the United States which has already placed sanctions and a travel ban on Silva.
Blackman joins a number of MPs from across the political aisle which includes Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey, and Shadow Asia Minister, Stephen Kinnock. Other MPs include Elliot Colburn, Sam Tarry, Theresa Villiers, Stephen Timms, and Siobhain McDonagh.