Young suspect protesting against Israel released after nine months

By Thilanga Gomes

A young man who had been on remand for nine months on suspicion of protesting against Israel through social media was released on bail today by Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate Hemali Halpathdeniya.

The suspect, Mohamed Rifai Mohamed Suhail (21), was arrested by Dehiwala Police on October 25, 2024, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and subsequently remanded.

When the case was taken up today, the police informed the court that the Attorney General had instructed them to release the suspect on bail, and presented the relevant document issued by Solicitor General President’s Counsel Viraj Dayaratne.

The magistrate ordered the suspect's release on personal bail of Rs. 500,000 with two sureties and postponed the case to September 16.

Attorneys-at-Law Geethma Fernando, Waruna Jayasinghe, Aruni Ranasinghe, Ilham Hasanali, Ashroff Mukthar, and Beshad Amjad appeared on behalf of the suspect.