This week on Dateline (October 18)…
Here is a rundown of this week’s episode of Dateline…
The Tiger Trap
This Sunday night, Dateline investigates a James Bond-like operation that saw the new leader of the Tamil Tigers abducted from a hotel in Malaysia recently.
Video Journalist Amos Roberts follows the fate of Shanmugam Kumaram Tharmalingham - known as “KP” - who took over as leader of the Tamil Tigers following their military defeat in the north of Sri Lanka in May.
For years KP had roamed the globe using 23 passports as he masterminded a multi million dollar arms buying and money laundering industry.
KP’s abduction had all the intrigue of a spy thriller. He was meeting with close associates in his hotel but left the room to take a phone call. He has not been seen since, though the Sri Lankan government confirms he is in their custody. According to Professor Rohan Gunaratna, head of the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research in Singapore, he was flown back business class to Colombo.
“The terrorists can run but they can’t hide. Eventually they will be brought to justice.” says Professor Gunaratna.
Human rights groups say KP should have been extradited, not kidnapped, especially since he faces a risk of torture in Sri Lanka.
“Sending someone back in these circumstances is also unlawful and violates international law,” says Sam Zafiri, Amnesty International’s Asia Pacific Director
But Professor Gunaratna, believes there was no other way. “I don’t think any human rights organisation should criticise this. Because KP was the biggest human rights violator.”
Meanwhile, Tamils living in Australia also fear being abducted and have been advised to inform the Department of Foreign Affairs of their travel in the region.
“I can share with you that the Sri Lankan government is already planning to bring a number of other people home,” says Gunaratna.
Also on Dateline this week, Video Journalist Evan Williams covers a hidden war in Ingushetia, a tiny republic located along Russia’s southern fringe. Moscow says it is battling militant Islam in this restive region, but locals claim hundreds of innocent civilians are being kidnapped, tortured and murdered at the hands of Russian security forces.
Dateline, 8:30pm Sunday on SBS ONE.
Filed Under: SBS ONE
