AG files appeal in High Court against order discharging Wasantha Mudalige from all charges

Colombo (News 1st) - The Attorney General has filed an appeal before the Colombo High Court calling to set aside the order issued by the Colombo Chief Magistrate in releasing the Convenor of the Inter University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige from all charges filed against him.

The Attorney General's Department said the appeal was filed before the High Court on Friday (10).

The Appeal was filed by the Attorney General on the grounds that a Magistrate does not have the authority to release a suspect who is arrested and remanded under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, until the Attorney General's advice is provided. 

In his appeal, the Attorney General has stated that this order was made by the Colombo Chief Magistrate without considering the objections raised by the state counsel.

The Attorney General also pointed out that releasing a suspect from all charges under these circumstances by a Magistrate Court violates the law of the country. 

Therefore the Attorney General has requested the High Court of Colombo to set aside the order issued by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court. 

Wasantha Mudalige, who was arrested and remanded under the PTA, was released on the 31st of January 2023 after the Colombo Chief Magistrate considered the requests made by counsels representing him. He was released 167 days after being arrested.