CID quizzes Journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara

Journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara was questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday for his involvement in organising a press conference held against the arrest of remanded standup comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya.

The Computer Crime Investigation Division of the CID summoned Uduwaragedara at 11.00 am yesterday and he was permitted to leave after recording a statement for three hours.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror Uduwaragedara said the police questioned him about the recently held press conference with regard to the arrest of standup comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya, who is being remanded at present. “The police queried who and why we organised the press conference, the motive behind it and related matters before I was permitted to leave,” he said.

An attorney representing Sinhala Ravaya recently reported facts to the Colombo Chief Magistrate that by holding a press conference about the arrest and jailing of Nathasha Edirisooriya the organisers have insulted the court.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage thus ordered the CID to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

Meanwhile, journalist Tharindu Jayawardena filed a revision application at the High Court last week saying a Magistrate Court does not have authority to hear cases pertaining to contempt of court. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana)