Image: A press conference was held against the arrest and detention of Natasha Edrisuriya.
Five human rights activists who spoke at a news conference criticising the arrest of female comedian Natasha Edirisiuriya have been reported to the court for contempt of court.
That was reported when the case regarding Natasha Edrisuriya was called today (07) at the Fort Magistrate’s Court.
Speaking before the court on behalf of Prabhat Madhubhashana of Sihala Ravaya, lawyer Mr. Susantha Kumara said that the court has been insulted during press conference after Natasha Edirisuriya was arrested and remanded in custody.
Lawyer Susantha Kumara, who submitted only the photographs to the court stating that he has the photographs and video tapes related to the news conference, stated that the court has been insulted due to the statements made by the relevant persons calling to relese Natasha Edrisuriya.
Accordingly, he said that journalist Tharindu Jayawardena, journalist Tharindu Uduvaragedara, lawyer Lakmali Hemachandra, commentator Widarshana Kannangara, and social activist Brito Fernando have committed this offence by speaking at the relevant press conference.
He also pointed out to the court that although a complaint has been made to the Criminal Investigation Department to deal with this matter, no action has been taken yet.
After considering the facts, Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the statements of five human rights activists.
On many occasions Sri Lanka HRDs have campaigned against unlawful arrests and detentions of people but no contempt of court charges have been levelled against them.
On the same day a protest was organised in front of Court premisses by pro Rajapaksa group accusing female comedian Natasha Edirisiuriya as a NGO puppy.
