Harin Fernando will not be arrested until 14th July; AG tells SC

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court on Friday (30) that MP Harin Fernando will not be arrested until July 14th.

Additional Solicitor General President's Counsel Priyantha Nawana appearing on behalf of the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court about the AGs position, when a petition filed by MP Harin Fernando was called today. MP Harin Fernando recently filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court stating that there are plans to arrest and detain him. The petition was called up in the presence of a three-judge bench comprising Justices S. Thurairajah, Kumuduni Wickramasinghe and Mahinda Samayawardena. Additional Solicitor General President's Counsel Priyantha Nawana stated that the CID is conducting an investigation and will consult the Attorney General before arresting the Member of Parliament. He said that Harin Fernando's lawyers could be given an opportunity to make submissions before the Attorney General takes a decision in this regard. However, President's Counsel Romesh de Silva, appearing for Harin Fernando, requested the Supreme Court to issue an order preventing any attempt to arrest his client. The Additional Solicitor General who appeared for the Attorney General said that Harin Fernando would not be arrested until the petition was called up once again. The Supreme Court decided to call up the petition on July 14th. MP Harin Fernando was represented by President's Counsel Romesh de Silva, Attorney-at-Law Panduka Keerthinanda, Sugath Caldera and Niran Anketel. Deputy Solicitor General Dileep Peiris along with Additional Solicitor General President's Counsel Priyantha Nawana appeared for the respondents including the Attorney General.