(UTV | VANNI) – The people of Vanni District took to the streets demanding the release of Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen and Riyaj Bathiudeen.
Hundreds of people carrying banners and placards have gathered outside the District Secretariat in Vavuniya, in accordance with public health guidelines today (28). Masks were worn and social distancing was maintained in a peaceful manner.
The protestors carried placards displaying slogans and chanted that the arrest of Rishad Bathiudeen was illegal, unjust, and in pursuance of an agenda by the Government to subjugate minority communities.
The protestors also claimed that the former Minister was arrested deliberately with a sinister political agenda to please an unknown party, although he has been proven not to have any connection to the Easter attack. The protestors noted that State-run Intelligence Agencies were aware of this as multiple investigations had revealed the innocence of Rishad Bathiudeen.
The protesters demanded that the Vanni District Parliamentarian, who respected humanity and served the people with the utmost respect, must never be blamed for Easter attack and should be released.
The Police arrived in riot gear and ordered the protesters to disperse, at which point, the protestors adhered and left.
Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) and his brother were arrested by the CID under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) on early Saturday morning (24).
Police Spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ajith Rohana said that the former Minister and his brother were arrested at their respective residences over allegations of aiding and abetting the suicide bombers of the Easter attack.
DIG Rohana said that they are currently being questioned in this regard by the CID and allowed to be detained for 90-days.
