In a statement issued by 158 lawyers, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has been requested to take urgent and swift action to ensure that the due process is followed with regard to Mr. Hejaaz Hisbullah, who was recently arrested and currently being detained by the Criminal Investigations Department.
According to the letter, the lawyers in support of Mr. Hisbullah’s fundamental and professional rights, have highlighted that the arrested lawyer has not been informed of the charges he is arrested and detained for, violating his constitutionally guaranteed rights of freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention.
In the letter, the lawyers emphasize to the BASL that Mr. Hisbullah has not been given time to meet his lawyers nor his family, except for a brief 15 minutes with a lawyer in the presence of a CID officer, while not being produced before a magistrate although it has been more than 8 days since his arrest.
Meanwhile, International Commission of Jurists has raised their concerns with regard to Mr. Hisbuallah’s arrest and detention, and have called for the repealing and replacement of the Prevention of Terrorism Act which is in effect in Sri Lanka.
Anyone arrested has the right to know the charges against them; access lawyers; and be produced before court.
Lawyers ask @BASLSl to intervene to ensure these rights for AAL @hejaazh pic.twitter.com/nqstP3lWd5— Suren Fernando (@SurenFernando) April 24, 2020