Tamil mother released after 4 years in prison

<p>A Tamil mother of two was released on bail this week after being imprisoned for four years.&nbsp;</p> <p>The release of the 31-year-old political prisoner came after repeated intiatives by the Mannar Citizens' Committee calling for the release of the woman, whose family live below the poverty line.&nbsp;</p> <p>Mathani Ravinthiran was arrested by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) in March 2014 in Visvamadu, Mullaitivu. Welimada Police filed a case with Padaviya Circuit Magistrate Court against her under sections 443, 369 and 394 of Penal Code Act. Another case was filed against her for handling demining equipment.</p> <p>The verdict was expected to be given on Thursday at Kebithigollewa Magistrate Court, however it was announced the case file was sent to Magistrate T J Prabhakaran, who presided over the case initially but recently transferred to another court, in order to deliver the verdict. When she was brought before the court, the senior magistrate V S Niranjan &nbsp;released her on bail for LKR 25,000.&nbsp;</p> <p>The president of the Mannar Citizens' Committee, which provided financial assistance to get the prisoner released on bail, was also present.&nbsp;</p> <p>The verdict is expected to be delivered on February 27.</p>