Video Evidence of War Crimes in Sri Lanka

The usual vocabulary seems horribly insufficient to describe the latest video documentation leaked out of Sri Lanka's war zone. Shocking, appalling, disturbing, disgusting -- no words seem to truly capture the level of depravity depicted in the footage. Working full-time in the genocide field, one is forced to develop a tolerance for the darker inclinations of mankind, but this one made me nauseous.

The footage shows the summary execution of several civilians by men dressed in military uniform. Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka, the group that obtained the video, claims that the victims are ethnic Tamils and their killers are members of the Sri Lankan military -- impossible to verify at this point, but an increasing chorus of expert opinion is growing in support of its authenticity.

The government of Sri Lanka, naturally, claims that the video is a hoax, and categorically denies committing any atrocities against Tamil civilians during its war with the rebel LTTE. But video evidence like this is awfully hard to fabricate. One has to wonder how long they will stick to their story, as more and more footage, testimony, and other evidence shines light on their blood-stained hands.

My Change.org co-blogger Michael wrote last night about the horrific humanitarian situation still facing Tamil civilians months after the war's end, which is in large part due to government obstruction of aid efforts. (By the way, to all of the evil dictators out there: Nothing says "guilty" like refusing humanitarian aid to civilians, because we all know the true motive behind such an act is to keep international eyes and ears out of your dirty business.)

And yet, as Michael noted, the Sri Lanka has a thriving tourism industry. Sign Michael's petition to boycott tourism in Sri Lanka until the situation for displaced Tamils improves. If you aren't planning a Sri Lankan getaway yourself, pass the message on to anyone and everyone who will listen. Money talks, and the Sri Lankan government certainly does not want to see a vital industry take a hit from its self-created public relations nightmare.

And by "public relations nightmare," I mean, "the most horrific crimes against humanity imaginable, for which I can only hope you will one day rot in jail. Or, perhaps someplace even worse."

[Thanks to Parthi for passing along links for this post.]