Forty-seven individuals arrested over the protest held near the President’s residence in Mirihana on Thursday (31) night were ordered to be released on bail after being produced before Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court.
Each of them were ordered to be released on a surety bail by Magistrate Prasanna Alwis.
Six other suspects receiving treatment at hospitals are to be examined by the Magistrate. They will be produced before the Court for an identification parade on Monday April 4.
The startling event of the court proceedings was the appearance of hundreds of lawyers in the Court on behalf of the suspects to provide Pro-Bono services. The protestors were represented by a group of lawyers including President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, Ikman Mohamed PC, Kalinga Indatissa PC, Sarath Jayamanna PC, Anuja Premaratne PC, Anura Meddegoda PC
The suspects were arrested for damaging public property after being members of unlawful assembly. However, the Magistrate observed that the B report presented by police has failed to reveal the commission of offences against the suspects under Public Property Act.
