Protecting Freedom of Expression In Times of Terrorism: A Comparison of United States, Germany, and South Korea
Kristin Poling · Seton Hall University eRepository (Seton Hall University) · 2014
A young Tamil man recounts the time he was kidnapped by his Sri Lankan Government in 2010: "I was kept in detention for more than a month.During this time, I was questioned and beaten up every day.They asked me about my activities with the LTTE in France.They brought pictures of my participating in anti-war protests in France and accused me of betraying the government.They asked me for the names of others who had organized the protests in France.I was locked in a dark room and my hands were tied in the position of a crucifix.I then was burned all over my arms in this position.I was beaten with hot metal rods on my back and thighs.I was sometimes poked with the end of a hot poker and they kicked my head with metal-toed boots.I was raped many times.Two men would come to my room and one would hold me down.They would take turns raping me." 1This account is just a glimpse into the inhumane treatment imposed on the Tamils living in Sri Lanka, most of the victims being women and boys under the age of 18.The Tamils have been advocating for change and equality within their country, and have been targeted with violence and suppression for their dissents to government actions.A group of United States philanthropists, law professors, and students had gotten wind of the Tamil's situation, and wanted to assist them in obtaining peace within their country by petitioning to the UN for help.Unfortunately, the United States Government supports the Sri Lankan Government, 1 See Human Rights Watch, "We will Teach You A Lesson," http://www.hrw.org/node/113787/section/3,(Feb.26, 2013).