Former Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Cyber Crime Investigation and Intelligence Analysis Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Mr. M.M.U. Subhasinghe, today expressed his regret in writing to civil activist and comedian Ms. Nathasha Edirisooriya at the Supreme Court regarding her arrest under the ICCPR Act.
The Attorney General’s Department, appearing on behalf of the respondents, informed the court that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) will issue a set of guidelines via a circular to all police officers to prevent unlawful arrests under this Act in the future. It was further noted that the circular would be issued within two weeks, and the petitioner, Nathasha Edirisooriya, has examined and agreed to these guidelines.
These submissions were made today before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice P. Padman Surasena, during the hearing of the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by Ms. Edirisooriya challenging her unlawful arrest.
Following these developments, the court ordered the respondents to inform the court via a motion within two weeks of issuing the IGP circular and ordered the conclusion of the case proceedings.
Nathasha Edirisooriya was present in open court today. Addressing her, Chief Justice P. Padman Surasena stated that the court appreciates the manner in which the legal proceedings were brought to a conclusion. The letter expressing regret stated:
“As the arresting officer, considering the totality of circumstances, I wish to express deep regret to you for the arrest on 27th May 2023 and your incarceration in remand custody till 5th July 2023 consequent thereto. I also extend my deep regret regarding the damage that may have been caused to your reputation and dignity, and mental and emotional trauma caused by her arrest and incarceration.“
The respondents agreed to express this regret and issue the circular based on the specific conditions put forward by Ms. Nathasha Edirisooriya in consultation with her counsel Suren Fernando and the legal team.
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