The Colombo High Court today ordered to acquit and release former Western Province Governor Azath Salley from a case filed against him over a statement he made on March 9 this year. 

 

The Attorney General had filed indictments against Salley in connection with the controversial remarks he made detrimental to ethnic-religious harmony in the country.

 

The defence had made a request in terms of section 200 of the Criminal Procedure Code to acquit and release the accused without calling defence witnesses.

 

While ordering the accused to be acquitted and released, High Court Judge Amal Ranaraja observed that prosecution evidence has failed to establish the commission of the offences as mentioned in the indictment.

 

The charges have been filed against Salley for committing offences come under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA)and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act in connection with the controversial statement he made on March 9, 2021.

 

The defence had filed an application before High Court  in terms of Section 200 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure requesting the Court to record a verdict of acquittal, on behalf of the accused, in view of the fact that the evidence led by the prosecution totally failed to establish the commission of the offence charged against the accused in the indictment.

 

President's Counsel Maithri Gunaratne appeared for Azath Salley. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)