The Attorney General’s Department today informed the Court of Appeal that the prosecution will consent to release Attorney-at-law Hejaaz Hizbullah on bail if the defence makes an application for bail at Puttalam High Court on the 28th of January.
Deputy Solicitor General Sudharshana de Silva appearing for the Attorney General submitted to the court that trial against Hisbullah at Puttalam High Court is due on January 28. He said the prosecution would consent to the bail application if the petitioner makes an application for bail at the end of the days proceedings.
Meanwhile, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva appearing for Hejaaz Hizbullah informed the court that in the interest of his client, he would agree to a settlement.
“There are a lot of facts and legal positions in my favour and I wanted to argue this matter. But in the interest of my client I have accepted the settlement”, Mr Silva said.
Accordingly, the Court of Appeal bench comprising Justice Menaka Wijesundera and Justice Neil Iddawala fixed the revision application to be heard on February 9.
This revision application had been filed on behalf of Attorney-at-law Hejaaz Hizbullah seeking an order to release him on bail.
An indictment under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act has now been served on Hejaaz Hizbullah. According to the indictment, Hizbullah is accused of making certain statements to students in contravention of these laws.
Hizbullah is charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He was arrested in April 2020 and held in remand custody for over 18 months.
