The leader of a new political movement Unity of Diversity, Azath Salley, is being held by the CID on a three-month detention order.
Salley, who is also the leader of the Muslim Tamil National Alliance, was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act after complaints were made that he was inciting racism, and has been admitted to hospital after starting a hunger strike.
“He was taken into custody under Section 120 of the Penal Code and provisions under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). He has violated clause 21 of the PTA,” said police spokesman SP Buddhika Siriwardena.
Family members reported that his health had further deteriorated.
UNP MPs Karu Jayasuriya, Ravi Karunanayake and Dr. Jayalath Jayawardene, Colombo Mayor A. J. M. Muzammil and Azath Salley’s three brothers were refused permission to visit him, while the TNA’s Sumanthiran visited Salley in his capacity as a lawyer, reported The Island.
The Justice Minister and head of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Rauff Hakeem said the government could have acted with more restraint, while distancing himself from Salley’s views.
“This does not mean that I endorse Salley’s views, which were often abusive and reactive. However he too had a right to freedom of expression. When other groups were using inflammatory language but were getting away sot free it is sad that the law has not applied to all alike. The law should apply to everyone alike,” said Hakeem.
Canada meanwhile has called for his immediate release in a statement:
“Canada condemns the arrest of Azad Sally, leader of Sri Lanka’s newly formed Muslim Tamil National Alliance. Mr. Sally was reportedly taken into custody by Sri Lankan authorities on May 2.
“We call for Mr. Sally’s immediate release. We understand his arrest is likely motivated by his work on human rights, in particular his defence of religious freedom, including the right of religious communities to practise their faith in Sri Lanka without fear of reprisals.
“This latest action by the authorities suggests strongly that those who dare to criticize the Government of Sri Lanka can face consequences such as imprisonment.
“Canada will continue to stand by all those who courageously speak out against egregious violations of human rights and freedom of religion.”
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
