Five protesters arrested at Galle Face Green were granted bail.

Five people who were arrested while engaging in a protest on Sunday evening(9) to commemorate the people who died and were injured while being involved in the Aragalaya protests were today ordered to be released on bail by Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage. While rejecting the police request to remand the suspects, the Magistrate ordered the release of each suspect on a surety bail of Rs.500,000. The police produced the suspects before the magistrate. The police alleged that the suspects had engaged in a protest that was organised in an illegal manner. Police said they had organised the protest without prior permission, causing damage to the property maintained by the Urban Development Authority and Port Authority. The police further alleged that the protesters obstructed police officers from carrying out their duty after being members of an unlawful assembly. A group of lawyers appearing on behalf of the suspects argued that the protesters had been arrested while they were engaged in a peaceful protest to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives during the Aragalaya. Drawing the court’s attention after displaying several videos, defence counsel alleged that the behaviour of police officers was aggressive and violent and acted in violation of people’s fundamental rights. They argue that police are responsible for violating people’s constitutional rights to engage in peaceful protests and freedom of expression. Taking into consideration the facts, the Magistrate decided to release the suspects on bail and a further magisterial inquiry was fixed for November 18. President's Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne, Saliya Pieris, PC, Sarath Jayamanne, and Counsel Udara Muhandiramge appeared for the protesters.