Fonseka arrest leads to clashes

Feb 10, 2010

Colombo, Feb. 10: Tensions mounted over the arrest of Sri Lanka’s former Army Chief Sarath Fonseka with violent clashes erupting in the capital as his wife approached the country’s highest court for his release, citing that she feared for his safety.

Opposition parties also closed ranks behind the jailed defeated presidential candidate, demanding his release and saying that the authorities were framing him.

The riot police used teargas, water cannon and canes to break up thousands of clashing pro-Fonseka supporters and ruling party activists. —PTI

T.V. Sriram

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