By Michael E. Sanchez
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

Colombo,Sri Lanka- Government supporters and thousands of activists have clashed in the Sri Lanken capital of Colombo.

Officials said at least eight people were hurt in the violence near the Supreme Court.  Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.  The opposition is angry at the arrest of losing presidential candidate, General Sarath Fonseka, on Monday night.  Tensions mounted over his arrest with violent clashed 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.  As protests against the arrest spilled onto the streets, riot police used tear gas, water cannons and canes to break up thousands of clashing pro-Fonseka supporters and ruling party activists as the government said claimed that the arrest of the country’s former four star general was “not an act of vengeance”

The opposition rally near the Supreme Court is the second demonstration to be held in the capital in the space of a week.  A witness said that about 50 supporters of President Rajapaksa had confronted opposition supporters and attacked them with stones and bottles.

Charles Haviland of the BBC in Colombo says opposition activists retreated and then returned attacking in their turn, whereupon the police used gas to drive people away.

Supporter of Fonseka said “government thugs” had attacked a peaceful protest.  One women stated “they stoned us and attacked with clubs even threw glass bottles at us in front of the police.”

General Fonseka’s wife, Anoma, was previously allowed to visit him in detention at navy headquarters.  Mrs. Fonseka has filed a petition claiming his arrest is illegal.  The claim will be heard on Friday.

The opposition parties have said they fear the General may be killed in detention.  A government spokesman has said there is tangible evidence to back up the allegations against the general, which include the accusation that he worked with politicians against the government while still in the forces.  The general denies these allegations.

Mr. Rajapaksa defeated General Fonseka in the presidential elections last month, but the Fonseka rejected the outcome.  Both claimed credit for the defeat of the Tamil Tigers last year but fell out soon after fighting ended.

For more information, please see:

BBC News- Sri Lanka Clashes Erupt Over Former Army Chief’s Arrest – 10 February 2010

Time.Com- Sri Lankan Protesters Take to the Streets – 10 February 2010

Press Trust of India- Violent Clashes Erupt in Colombo Over Fonseka Arrest – 10 February 2010