Sri Lanka execution footage: UN calls for investigation

Footage broadcast by Channel 4 News showing the alleged massacre of Tamil prisoners is evidence of “serious international crimes”, the UN says, as pressure mounts for an international investigation. A UN envoy has urged the international community and Sri Lanka to further investigate footage obtained by Channel 4 News purporting to show the summary executions of naked and bound men and women during the country’s civil war. Channel 4 News first broadcast footage of the alleged execution of Tamil prisoners by Sri Lankan soldiers in 2009. Last December, damning new footage came to light of the same alleged massacre and the behaviour of government troops. The new footage revealed the naked dead bodies of at least seven women and a number of men. The faces of some government soldiers allegedl carrying out the executions could also be seen. Following an extensive investigation, Channel 4 News uncovered the identification of one of the victims captured in the video – a high profile member of the Tamil Tigers’ press and communications wing.

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