In a letter to the Inspector General of Police, the Muslim Congress of Sri Lanka says that ZIt shocks the Muslim community that Azath Salley has been taken into custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). He has always condemned terrorism in Sri Lanka and around the world”
Further, it expresses its deep concern about the arrest and detention under the prevention of terrorism act of Mr. Azath Salley, a vocal Muslim activist and the Leader of National Unity Alliance, among the many other Muslims, also detained under the PTA without being charged, including Mr. Hejaaz Hezbullah, Ramzy Razick and Ahnaf the poet.
The letter follows:
27th March 2021
The Inspector General of Police,
Police Headquarter,s
Colombo 1
Dear Sir,
ARREST AND DETENTION OF MR AZATH SALLEY
The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) is deeply concerned about the arrest and detention under the prevention of terrorism act of Mr. Azath Salley, a vocal Muslim activist and the Leader of National Unity Alliance, among the many other Muslims, also detained under the PTA without being charged, including Mr. Hejaaz Hezbullah, Ramzy Razick and Ahnaf the poet.
Mr. Salley has been a vociferous critique of all forms of extremism and terrorism including a few extremists in the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. Since 2014, He has been one of the few Muslims who brought to the attention of the authorities, some who were radicalizing Muslim youth. He has made several complaints in writing to your good office and voiced his concerns in hundreds of media press conferences the threat posed by a few Muslims who were extreme in their views.
It shocks the Muslim community that Azath Salley has been taken into custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). He has always condemned terrorism in Sri Lanka and around the world. Immediately after 21/4, He was one of the first to point fingers at the terrorist Zaharan and brought to the attention of the authorities the numerous complaints he has made against some of the extremist groups.
We call upon your office to kindly conduct an impartial inquiry and release Mr Salley if not found guilty. We also urge your esteemed office to conduct impartial inquiries and charge or release all other persons detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCRP).
We thank you for your kind consideration and assure the Muslim community’s full
cooperation in the peace and reconciliation efforts undertaken by your office.