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Court releases Udul and Gihan accused of painting graffiti against the President on walls |
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2009-08-14 | 10.30 AM |
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Colombo Additional Magistrate Kumari Abeyratne on Wednesday (12) released Convener, of the Inter University Students Union, Udul Premaratne and Convener of the Students Union of the Visual Arts Section of the Aesthetic University, Gihan Seneviratne on a bail of Rs. 1,500 each and a physical bail of Rs. 2,500 each. Udul and Gihan were arrested and remanded for allegedly spray painting the words, “Hasn’t the Great King now destroyed education?” on the walls.
They were arrested on August 6 by the Cinnamon Gardens Police opposite St. Bridget’s Convent and were presented to Courts on the charges of opposing the king’s state as stipulated in Clauses 118, 120 and 138 of the Penal Code. |
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Lawyers appearing for the respondents had told court that since there were no longer any kings in the country, the statement painted on the walls, “Hasn’t the Great King now destroyed education?” does not insult any one in particular.
The lawyers had also said that Clause 118 was no longer included in the Penal Code. Hearing the argument, the Magistrate had inquired after the police inquiry.
The police had requested for more time to conclude the inquiry and the Magistrate had then issued a stern warning to the police not to drag the investigation any further than the additional week given. The Magistrate had also said that delaying the conclusion of the inquiry was an injustice for the accused.
Lawyers Sunil Watagala and N. Azar appeared for the respondents.
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