Steps taken to discharge journalist

Wasantha Ramanayake

COLOMBO: Steps have already been taken to discharge Journalist Munusamy Parameshwari attached to the Maubima newspaper, the Attorney General informed the Supreme Court, when her Rights application was mentioned before the Court, yesterday.

State Counsel Harshika de Silva for the Attorney General (AG) informed the Court that the papers had been sent to the Colombo Chief Magistrate Court to discharge the journalist who was arrested along with one of her friends on November 23, 2006 and detained in the TID.

The Bench comprised Justices Nihal Jayasinghe, Nimal Gamini Amaratunga and Jagath Balapatabendi. Counsel J.C. Weliamuna for the petitioner submitted that he would move to withdraw the application on the next date.

Petitioner Munusamy Parameshwari, of Gampola, currently under the detention of the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) in her Fundamental Rights application to the Supreme Court complained that her Rights had been violated by the TID by her illegal arrest and detention.

The petitioner cited Director TID, Special Task Force SSP Ajith Wickremesekera, the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General as respondents. The petitioner among other matters stated that she had no involvement in any unlawful activity nor had violated any laws.

The petitioner sought a declaration that the arrest and the subsequent detention was null and void and to release her from the detention. She also sought a compensation in a sum of one million rupees.

J.C. Weliamuna appeared for the petitioner.State Counsel Harshika de Silva appeared for the Attorney General. The application will be mentioned on March 30.