BASL concerned by arrest of attorney Hejaz Hizbullah

• BASL President writes to IGP saying that reason for attorney’s arrest unknown
• Requests to ensure professional rights of attorney, inform BASL of reasons and basis of arrest

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday expressed concern about the well-being of attorney-at-law Hejaz Hizbullah, who has been taken into custody by the CID, allegedly over his links to the Easter Sunday bombers. “According to (the) information we have received, the reasons for his arrest have not been made known till now. We are informed the arrest was based on certain functions attended by Mr. Hizbullah in his professional capacity, as a member of the Bar,” BASL President Kalinga Indatisssa PC said in a letter he sent the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The letter added that while BASL has no intention of disturbing any pending investigations that is being conducted lawfully by the authorities, the BASL is concerned about the well-being of Mr. Hizbullah. The BASL President requested the IGP to direct the investigating officers to ensure that the professional rights of the attorney are given due consideration, and that the BASL is informed of the reasons and basis of his arrest.