Despite police threats and pressure, a protest was held in Valvettithurai on Monday (08) demanding the immediate release of young singer Sangeethan, who has been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
Sangeethan, a rap artist, was arrested on allegations of performing a song containing themes related to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). He is currently being held at the Jaffna Prison.
The demonstration in Valvettithurai was organized specifically to demand his freedom. A diverse group of people, including political representatives, civil society activists, artists, and members of the public, participated in the protest. They called for Sangeethan’s release and urged an end to arbitrary arrests under the PTA.
Following initial announcements about the protest, Valvettithurai police had summoned several of the event’s organizers to the station on Sunday. Police reportedly pressured them to call off the demonstration, threatening that they too would be arrested under the PTA and jailed if they proceeded. After recording their statements, the organizers were released.
Despite these police pressures and intimidation tactics, the protest went ahead as planned, with participants firmly demanding the release of the artist.