Journalist’s detention: SC grants leave to proceed in FR case
Sandasen Marasinghe
COLOMBO: The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with
the fundamental rights case filed by ‘Maubima’ journalist, M.
Parameshwari, who has been detained by the Terrorist Investigations
Division (TID).
The case was taken up for hearing before a bench comprising Supreme
Court Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranaike (President), Supreme Court
Justice Rajah Fernando and Supreme Court Justice Andrew Somawansa.
Petitioner, Parameshwari (25) cited Director of the Terrorist
Investigation Division and two others as respondents.
Petitioner stated that she was taken into custody and detained
unlawfully by the TID. She stated that she was attached to the Maubima
Newspaper as a journalist. While she was at her boarding place her
friend in the room received a telephone call on January 23, 2007 that
the petitioner’s brother was abducted and was detained in a van near a
film theatre in Wellawatta.
Parameshwari said that they set off to the site where they too were
abducted by the persons in the van. Thereafter they taken to the TID
headquarters in Chaithya Road, Colombo.
The petitioner said they were arrested and detained unlawfully. They
were not yet produced before a Magistrate.
Petitioner pleaded before Court to grant leave to proceed with the
fundamental case and declare that the fundamental rights of the
petitioner in articles 12 (1), 12 (2), 13 (1) guaranteed by the
Constitution have been violated by the respondents. She also claimed a
compensation of Rs one million.
The Court fixed March 8 to file objection and for hearing if
necessary.
Deputy Solicitor General S. Rajaratnam appeared for the respondents
while Attorney J.C. Weliamuna appeared for the petitioner instructed by
Gauri Sangari Thawarasa.
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