The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Monday (13) told the Mannar Magistrate Court, one of Minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s brothers had admitted to telephoning Magistrate Anthonypillai Judeson.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Monday (13) told the Mannar Magistrate Court, one of Minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s brothers had admitted to telephoning Magistrate Anthonypillai Judeson.
The CID was unable to come forth with a suspect when the case was taken up before the Mannar Magistrate, Ranga Dasanayake, who was appointed by the Judicial Service Commission following the recent Mannar incident where Judge Judeson was allegedly threatened by the minister.
At this stage, the Vice President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Anoma Gunathilika, who appeared with a team of lawyers for the Mannar Magistrate, submitted that they cannot accept the CID submission, which led to Magistrate Judeson giving evidence.
In his evidence, Magistrate Judeson said it was the minister who intimidated him over the telephone. Thereafter, the Magistrate named Minister Bathiudeen as a suspect and issued summons on him to be present in Court on 27 August.
Gunathilika, Secretary of BASL, Sanjeewa Gamage Treasurer, Rasika Disanayake and Assistant Secretary, Charith Galhena appeared for Magistrate Judeson.
(CT)