COLOMBO: The National Unity Alliance has appealed to the Attorney General to release its leader Azath Salley who was arrested by the police on Tuesday March 16.
In a letter addressed to the Attorney General, the press release claimed that the arrest was unlawful and a violation of Salley’s fundamental right to freedom of speech as enshrined in the constitution.
“ Salley has been a strong opponent of any forms of extremism, especially among the Muslims. His stand against the 21/4 suicide bombers and suspected Islamic extremist groups has been well articulated by him in hundreds of press conferences over the year,” the release added.
“His statement on the country’s law and Muslim Personal law, has been totally misinterpreted by media. This has made a few persons with vested interests to make complaints against Salley. A full recording of the media conference and subsequent clarification has been sent to the Inspector General of Police, where Salley has made a complaint regarding the misinterpretation by media. He has also clarified the statement as to what he in fact meant, in the subsequent press conferences.”
“ According to police media reports, he has been allegedly arrested under ICCPR Act and the Prevention of Terrorism Act. However, it is pertinent to note, the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday Attacks, has not made any reference to him with any links to extremists,” it concluded.
