US seeks 15-year prison sentence for LTTE supplier
The US Department of Justice is seeking a 15-year prison sentence for
a Canadian who pleaded guilty to terrorism conspiracy for his role in a
plot to supply equipment to LTTE.
In a sentencing report filed in a Brooklyn, NY court, US attorney
Loretta Lynch said Ramanan Mylvaganam had committed “a gravely serious
offence” by attempting to procure equipment for the terrorist group,
National Post reported. “Any sentence other than a substantial sentence
of incarceration risks undermining respect for the law by suggesting
that a defendant can evade serious punishment for providing material
support to a terrorist organisation,” she wrote. But the defence has
asked the judge to sentence Mylvaganam to time served and release him,
arguing the Sri Lankan conflict at the heart of the case was over and
the Canadian was not a political zealot.
“This case represents the one, isolated transgression on his part,”
his lawyer Jerry Fong wrote. “His failing in this case is one of
judgment. However, Mylvaganam certainly has learned his lesson and is
truly remorseful.”
His sentencing was scheduled for Friday.
Mylvaganam, 35, is accused of trying to buy night vision goggles for
the Tigers and assisting Suresh Sriskandarajah, who had allegedly been
asked by a senior rebel procurement agent to buy computer equipment,
electronic components and communications equipment.
Courtesy: priu.gov.lk
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