7 January 2021 04:41 pm
The Criminal Investigations Department which was scheduled to produce detained Attorney at Law Hejaaz Hizbullah this afternoon before the Fort Magistrate did not produce him and informed the court that he had been tested positive for Covid 19.
Mr. Hizbullahs wife, attorneys and the Court were informed by officers of the CID that he would be produced today at 2. 00 PM at the Fort Magistrates court. Officers of the CID informed court staff that they intend producing Hizbullah following which Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage had made an order that the case be taken up at 2. 00 PM today.
The news of production came after Mr. Romesh De Silva PC supported a writ application for lawyers access and made representations on behalf of Mr. Hizbullah.
Earlier a writ application was filed before the court of appeal seeking access to detainee Hejaaz Hizbullah for lawyers. Lawyers said they have had no access confidential to Mr. Hizbullah since the time of his arrest. Mr Romesh De Silva PC with Shanaka Cooray, Niran Anketell, Harith De Mel instructed by Sanath Wijeywardena appeared on behalf of the Petitioner in the writ case. Lawyers for Mr. Hizbullah awaited his production until they were informed of the renewed position of the CID.
The court staff informed journalists present at around 3.00 PM that Mr. Hizbullah would not be produced. Mr. Hizbullah was arrested a year after the Easter Sunday attack for allegedly having phone calls with an Easter Sunday terrorist.
Mr. Hizbullahs lawyers filed papers before the court stating that the said terrorist was a client of Mr.Hizbullah whom he represented in two land matters.