(UTV | COLOMBO) – The Committee on Human Rights of Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has sought the Supreme Court Registrar’s leave for an international observer representing the IPU to follow remotely the hearing on the Fundamental Rights (FR) Petition filed on behalf of Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen.
The Geneva-based international organisation that represents 179 Member Parliaments in a letter addressed to the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on 06 July 2021, had informed the appointment of Queen’s Counsel Barrister Mark Trowell from Australia as its observer to follow the hearing of former Minister’s FR Petition remotely.
Although the IPU usually nominates its observer to physically be present at Court during the proceedings, this time they have decided to conduct virtual observations due to the existing pandemic situation.
Furthermore, arrangements have not been made by the Registrar on 08 July 2021 to conduct virtual observation of the case due to the last moment request by the IPU, it is learnt.
Informed sources stated that a similar letter had been sent to the Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena by the IPU on 15 June 2021, indicating their interest and commitment towards the case of Rishad.
It has been further stated in the said letter that this matter is to be discussed in the next session of the Committee of Human Rights of Parliamentarians which is to be held in September, this year.
Hence, it is doubtful whether arrangements will be made by the Supreme Court Registrar at least for the next hearing which is to be held tomorrow (15).
Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena, a member of the Judge Panel, said he would withdraw from considering the Petitions filed by Parliamentarian Rishad and his brother Riyaj Bathiudeen, who were detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
Earlier, Justices Yasantha Kodagoda, Janak de Silva, and A. H. M. D. Nawaz also withdrew themselves from hearing the Petitions on individual occasions citing personal reasons leading to postponement of hearing the Petitions, bringing the total number recusals to four.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of the CID, the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Department, the Officer In Charge (OIC) of the Department, and the Attorney General (AG) named as respondents in the FR Petition.
The Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) and his brother were detained by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under the PTA on early Saturday morning of 24 April.
In the wake of the arrest, people took to the streets all over the country demanding the former Minister’s release.
Protests erupt in several districts in the country including Colombo, Mannar, Puttalam, and Vavuniya, demanding that the Vanni District Parliamentarian must never be blamed for Easter attack and should be released.
With inputs from The Leader
