Three social media admins including TV presenter arrested over recent unrest

Three admins of social media platform including a 39-year-old TV presenter have been arrested by the CID for instigating and aiding and abetting recent violent activities through the social media.

Police said the CID, police stations across the country and special police units are conducting investigations to identify social media groups and its admins over instigating violent activities following the incidents at Kollupitiya and Galle Face Green on May 9.

They said the Computer Crimes Investigating Unit of the CID arrested three suspects including a female TV presenter from Colombo for aiding and abetting to instigate violence through social media.

Accordingly, a 22-year-old man from Dickwella was arrested on Wednesday. Police said the suspect had shared posts on social media calling the public that houses of police and three armed forces should be set on fire.

The CID also arrested a 21-year-old youth from Nugegoda for promoting violence on social media and posting information that threatens public safety.

Police said the TV presenter from Narahenpita in Colombo 5 was arrested on charges of aiding and abetting violence on social media.

Police said action will be taken against the suspects under the Computer Crimes Act. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)