The Supreme Court today ordered the release of Riyaj Bathiudeen, the brother of former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, from detention
The Supreme Court ordered the release restricting his movement to the city limits of Colombo Municipal Council, in terms of Section 11 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
Riyaj Bathiudeen was arrested by the CID on April 24 and detained at the said department under a detention order issued according to the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The arrest was in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.
Meanwhile, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Vijith Malalgoda, Justice Murdu Fernando and Justice Gamini Amarasekara granted leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights petition filed by RiyajBathiudeen challenging his arrest and detention.
He was also ordered to appear before CID on the first and third Sunday of every month. The Supreme Court prevented him from leaving the country without the court’s permission.
The hearing of the petition was fixed for May 10.
The applicant stated that grave loss and damage were caused to the Petitioner and the members of his family due to the violation of his Fundamental Rights by the Respondents.
He also said it is just and equitable that the applicant is awarded compensation of Rs 5,000 million as compensation for the violations of his Fundamental Rights.
Riyaj Bathuiudeen filed the application through Senior Counsel Gowry Shangary Thavarashanaming IGP, CID Director, DIG in charge of CID, Attorney General and several others as respondents.
In his petition, Riyaj Bathiudeen denies the allegations that he aided and abetted the suicide attack carried out by Ibrahim Insaf Ahamed on April 21, 2019, and that he engaged in any activity detrimental to religious harmony among communities.
The applicant said there was no reasonable suspicion to re-arrest him and his arrest and detention are arbitrary and no new material to justify the requirement of issuing another detention order.
