AG files revision application with Colombo HC against release of IUSF convenor

The Attorney General yesterday filed a revision application before the Colombo High Court seeking the nullification of the order issued by the Colombo Chief Magistrate to release the Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) convenor Wasantha Mudalige from charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The move came following Sri Lanka Police last week saying that they have decided to file an appeal against the recent release of Wasantha Mudalige from the charges filed against him under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Police Spokesman Nihal Thalduwa stated that the Police Headquarters requested the Attorney General to submit an appeal, following all relevant legal provisions, against the recent judgment given by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

On 22 August IUSF convener was arrested on charges filed under the PTA and was released from these charges on 31 January after being detained for 162 days under the PTA, by Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis, on the grounds that the accused was not found to have committed any offices under the PTA.

In January, seven organisations called on the Government to end the arbitrary detention of Mudalige including Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia), Civicus, Frontline Defenders, Human Rights Watch, International Working Group on Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice.