Sri Lanka’s Fort Magistrate, Priyantha Liyanage, has mandated the continued detention of former Sri Lankan Minister, Rishad Bathiudeen who was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for allegedly aiding the Easter Sunday bombers.
The announcement follows a court decision to detain several suspects in connection to the death and sexual assault of 16-year-old domestic worker Hishalini Jude Kumar. Those detained include the wife of Rishad Bathiudeen, Ayesha Shehabdeen. Rishad Bathiudeen’s brother has also been arrested in connection to the Easter Sunday bombings. At the time Rishad refuted the charges against his brother and claimed the arrest was an act of political revenge.
These arrests come as Sri Lankan authorities have arrested high-profile Muslim figures under allegations of supporting the Easter Sunday Attacks, this includes prominent lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah. Sri Lankan authorities have also banned 11 Muslim organisations for alleged “extremist activities”.
In April members of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress protested in Mannar against the of Bathiudeen.
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