Debate on Rishad's arrest in Parliament

COLOMBO (News1st): A debate on the arrest of Parliamentarian Rishad Bathiudeen arose in Parliament today. "There is no political influence when taking action against Rishad or anyone else," Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara, the public security minister said. He pointed out that some arrests are being made in connection to the April 21st attacks. "We will act based on the Attorney General's advice. I wish to state that there is no political interference into this," he insisted. Rishad Bathiudeen, the leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress, said that no inquiries have been carried out properly into him since April 24. "Dear President, when I questioned the OIC the reason for my arrest, I was told that it was for a one and a half minute phone conversation with my ministry's additional secretary Balasubramanian," he said.