Colombo (News 1st): Nine suspects arrested in connection to the unrest reported last night (May 13) were remanded until May 29th after they were produced before the Minuwangoda Magistrates Court today (May 14).

The suspects were produced in court under the international covenant on civil and political rights act. A person suspected or accused of an offence under the act shall only be enlarged on bail, by the High Court in exceptional circumstances.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act No. 56 of 2007 (ICCPR) gives effect to certain articles in the ICCPR relating to human rights which have not been given recognition through legislative measures.

Section 3 of the Act states “No person shall propagate war or advocate national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes an incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.”

The act also states that an offence under this section shall be cognizable and non-bailable, and no person suspected or accused of such an offence shall be enlarged on bail, except by the High Court in exceptional circumstances.

According to the act, a person found guilty of committing an offence under the Subsection 1 and 2 of Section 3 shall on conviction by the High Court, be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.

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