Sri Lanka opposition leader demands release of presidential candidate

In Sri Lanka, former Prime Minister and now key opposition leader, Ranil Wickreme-singhe, is demanding the release of defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka, who was taken into custody late Monday evening.

Wickreme-singhe told reporters in New Delhi that he doesn't know where Fonseka is being held. He added that the incident is a major concern, and should never happen in Sri Lanka, or any other democratic country.

Sarath Fonseka has been cut off from his family and friends after being detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government while serving as army commander.

The arrest has provoked strong reaction across the world. The United Nations is urging the Sri Lankan government to avoid provocative acts, saying that it's very important to maintain long term peace and reconciliation in the country.

Defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka speaks to the relatives of his supporters, after his supporters were arrested, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, Feb. 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Chamila Karunarathne)