Azath Salley’s FR petition fixed for August 10
29 July 2021 04:02 pm
The Fundamental Rights petition filed by former Governor of Western Province Azath Salley seeking an order to release him from CID custody was today fixed for August 10 by Supreme Court.
Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Pieris appearing for the Attorney General sought a new date for the matter to be taken up for support owing to a personal difficulty.
The Supreme Court was informed that the indictments have been filed in Colombo High Court against Azath Salley in connection with the controversial statement he made on March 9.
The indictments have been filed against Salley for committing offences come under Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA)and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.
Azath Salley had filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking an order to release him from CID custody.
Salley was arrested by CID and currently being detained over controversial remarks he made detrimental to ethnic religious harmony in the country.
Filing this petition through his lawyer, Azath Salley alleged that he was arrested on baseless charges and seeking a declaration that his fundamental rights have been violated by the respondents through his arrest and detention.
The petition had named the IGP, CID Director, Minister of Public Security and Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Attorney General as respondents.
The petitioner stated that he addressed a press conference held on March 9 stating that the affairs of the Muslim people of Sri Lanka should be governed in accordance with Muslim law.
The petitioner states that following the media conference relating to this incident, he was arrested by CID under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The petitioner alleged that police have so far failed to produce him before a Magistrate.
He denied the allegations that he involved in the Easter Sunday attack.
President’s Counsel Faisz Musthapha with Maithri Gunaratne PC, counsel Pulasthi Rupasinghe instructed by Senior Attorney-at-law Gowry Shangary Thavarasha appeared for the petitioner.