Gen Fonseka is facing civil charges as well as military court, officials say

Lakshman Hulugalle, the Director General of Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) told BBC Sandeshaya that Gen Fonseka has "taken revenge" from certain officers while he was the commander.

"It has now been revealed that he has even kept those who were facing court martial in dark rooms," he said.

He added that investigations are continued on alleged torture of army officers as the victims were "intimidated" by Gen Fonseka.

The BBC could not get Gen Fonseka's remarks as he is not allowed to speak to outsiders from his prison cell.

'In dark rooms'

Gen Fonseka refused to eat from Sunday to protest at being denied access to a telephone, his wife Anoma Fonseka's told journalists.

It has now been revealed that he has even kept those who were faced court martial in dark rooms Lakshman Hulugalle, MCNS

Anoma Fonseka said her husband was prevented from speaking to his daughters, who are currently overseas.

Mr. Hulugalle said there was no obligation to provide General Fonseka with a telephone.

"Gen Fonseka should understand that he was legally arrested," Mr. Hulugalle told BBC Sinhala service, "and no arrested person is allowed to keep a telephone in Sri Lanka."

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA), headed by Gen Fonseka, on Monday held protests in Colombo demanding the release of their party leader who was arrested a month ago.

Describing the arrest as illegal and accusing the government of violating the constitution, the former Chief Justice Sarath Silva earlier described Gen Fonseka as a political prisoner.