Azath files FR petition challenging his arrest

Former Governor of Western Province Azath Salley today filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking an order to release him from the custody of the CID. Salley was arrested by the CID and currently being detained over controversial remarks he made detrimental to ethnic and religious harmony in the country. Filing this petition through his lawyer, Azath Salley alleged that he was arrested on baseless charges, and in his prayer he requested the Supreme Court to declare that his fundamental rights have been violated by the respondents through his arrest and detention. The petition had named the IGP, CID Director, Minister of Public Security and Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Attorney General as respondents. The petitioner stated that he addressed a press conference held on March 9 stating that the affairs of the Muslim people of Sri Lanka should be governed in accordance with the Muslim law. The petitioner states that following the media conference relating to this incident, he was arrested by CID under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The petitioner alleged that police have so far failed to produce him before a Magistrate. He denied the allegations that he was involved in the Easter Sunday attack.