Today, Explained Sri Lankans have had enough
May 12, 2022
Ike Sriskandarajah, an investigative journalist focused on human rights, and Amita Arudpragasam, a Colombo-based policy analyst, delve into the protests shaking Sri Lanka. They discuss the cries of 'Go home, Gota!' against President Rajapaksa and the chaotic political landscape driving citizens into the streets. The pair highlight the severe economic crisis, past political missteps, and the precarious future of the Rajapaksa family. They also touch on the complexities of seeking accountability for war crimes in the U.S., revealing a stark contrast between past and present.
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Served at Trader Joe's
- Gotabaya Rajapaksa, while grocery shopping at a Trader Joe's in California, was served legal documents.
- A private investigator, hired by human rights groups, served him amidst his family.
Civil Lawsuits
- The lawsuits against Gotabaya Rajapaksa were civil, not criminal, due to the difficulty of prosecuting war crimes in US courts.
- Human rights groups pursued this route after failing to get the Department of Justice to open a criminal investigation.
Nazi Hunting Unit
- The US has a history of prosecuting alleged war criminals, primarily for immigration violations, not war crimes.
- A dedicated "Nazi hunting unit" existed, but their efforts were limited by the lack of specific laws criminalizing genocide and war crimes.