Protestors ask CJ to step down
Demos in Hulftsdorp, near Parliament:
Protesters in their thousands thronged Hulftdrop , and the area
adjacent to Parliament last morning to vent their feelings against Chief
Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake who is facing serious integrity
charges before the Parliamentary Select Committee. The protests were
held in support of the impeachment motion containing 14 charges which is
being probed by the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC).
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A large crowd held a picketing
campaign outside the Supreme Court Complex yesterday
protesting against the attempts made by the Judiciary to
challenge the powers of the legislature and demanding the
protection of peoples sovereignty, when the Chief Justice
left the court complex yesterday to appear before the PSC
hearing the Impeachment motion against her. Picture by
Vasitha Patabendige |
The protests commenced in many parts of the city when the PSC
commenced its second sittings in Parliament yesterday following its
first sittings on November 23.
Security was beefed up near the Parliament roundabout amidst protests
organized by many organizations and civil society activists against the
CJ.
People shouted slogans in support of the impeachment process and
demanding that the CJ step down from the supreme post as she has
tarnished the good image of the high office she holds.
Meanwhile, another massive protest was witnessed around the Supreme
Court complex in Hulftsdorp organized by lawyers and members of the
legal fraternity against the CJ, and backing the impeachment process.
The police had closed the parliament road due to the heavy traffic as
thousands of people had gathered there to stage the protest. Chief
Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake was charged with 14 counts including
failing to adequately declare her assets, improper conduct, misusing
power and influencing the process of delivery of justice. The 11-member
PSC comprising 7 government and 4 opposition legislators has summoned
the Chief Justice to show cause regarding the charges against her.
The Chief Justice had been asked to submit written responses to the
charges against her.
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