AG objects to heavy military presence in Gota case | Daily News

AG objects to heavy military presence in Gota case

Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris appearing for the Attorney General raised objections into the highly militarised environment around the Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar yesterday.

Peiris appearing for the prosecution in the D. A. Rajapaksa Museum case told the Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar that this would adversely affect witnesses expected to testify before court in due course.

Taking into consideration the facts, the Trial-at-Bar Bench comprising High Court Judges Sampath Abeykoon (President), Sampath Wijeratne and Champa Janaki Rajaratne announced that they would make an appropriate order on the next hearing date.

Peiris told court that private security personnel in civvies can be seen even beside the dock of the court room, creating a fear of psychosis among the witnesses. Peiris further informed Colombo Permanent High Court-at-Bar that around three Defender vehicles with STF personnel have been stationed near the main gate of the Court and he sought appropriate arrangements to ensure a fair trial for prosecution. He also brought the attention of the court that some people are engaging in media circus outside the court affecting to the mental of the witnesses that they will not be safe.

“There is no a proper place for witnesses to stay during the trial. The security of the witnesses should be ensured during the trial. I will make a detailed application the next day,” DSG Peiris said.

Meanwhile, 18 witnesses attached to the Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (LRDC) were yesterday present before court and three witnesses out of them sought court’s permission to travel abroad.They were ordered to make this request along with affidavits and other documents.

The Court further ordered each witness to inform court if they expect to travel overseas during the trial stage. 

 


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