Court grants bail to 8 protesters including Damita and Ratta

The Colombo Fort Magistrate yesterday granted bail to 8 protesters, who were charged with unlawful assembly and obstruction of duties of police officers at the entry road to Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on 25 May.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage ordered to release the suspects on personal bail.

According to the notice issued earlier by the court, eight suspects including Father Satyavel, actress Damita Abeyratne, YouTuber Rathidu Senaratne alias Ratta, Actor Jagath Manuvarana, Ceylon Teachers’ Union head Joseph Stalin appeared before the court.

Presenting submissions, Slave Island Police told the Magistrate that the suspects were produced before the court in connection with obstructing the Police officers on duty at the entry road to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and a bus through unlawful assembly on 25 May.

Upul Jayasuriya PC, who appeared on behalf of the suspects, stated that the case was filed fraudulently by the Police.

After considering the facts presented by both sides, the Magistrate released the suspects on personal bail and ordered the case to be called again on 28 November.

The Magistrate accepting a request by the Police ordered the concerned suspects to record statements with the Slave Island Police today.