The bail application filed by pastor Jerome Fernando who has been arrested and remanded in connection with the controversial statements made by him defaming Buddhism and other religions, was yesterday fixed for January 4 by the Colombo High Court.
The matter was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige.
It is alleged that, on or about April 30, 2023, Pastor Jerome Fernando had addressed a large gathering and made numerous statements that are derogatory of other religions, specifically of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. Later, he left the country on May 14, 2023 before he was barred from leaving the country by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
He arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on November 29 following a Court order issued by the Court of Appeal, that directed authorities not to arrest him in connection with a controversial Sunday Sermon where he made remarks defaming other religions. The Court had further directed that he furnish a statement to the CID within 48 hours after his arrival.
As per the Court directive, the CID’s Cyber Crime Investigation Division obtained a statement from the pastor within 48 hours of his arrival.
Pastor Jerome was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department on December 1, when he came to the CID to provide a statement for the second consecutive day and he was ordered to remand after producing him before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
He filed a bail application before the Colombo High Court seeking grant of bail to him and it was taken up before Colombo High Court yesterday.
President’s Counsel Anuj Premarathna appeared for the suspect Pastor Jerome Fernando while Senior State Counsel Shaminda Wickrema appeared on behalf of the Attorney General.
Dilshan Tharaka