Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court refuses to free Fonseka
COLOMBO (AFP) – Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court refused Tuesday to order the release of detained opposition leader and former army chief Sarath Fonseka as it deliberates a petition challenging his arrest by the military.
Fonseka, 59, has been held at a naval detention centre since his arrest on February 8, sparking international condemnation and violent protests two weeks after he was trounced in presidential polls by President Mahinda Rajapakse.
“The request for interim relief by way of his release was rejected but the court said immediate family and lawyers can visit him,” a court official said.
A further hearing has been scheduled for April 26.
Fonseka’s wife had filed a petition challenging the legality of his detention, and asking the court to order his immediate release pending a judgement.
Tuesday ruling means he will remain in custody until the court makes a final ruling.
The government has yet to specify the charges Fonseka will face, but Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse — the president’s brother — said he had been plotting a military coup.
The United States, the European Union and the United Nations, among others, have asked Colombo to ensure due process is followed and that democracy is not undermined.
As the battlefield architect of the victory over the Tamil Tiger rebels last May, Fonseka had been hailed as a national hero for finally crushing their 37-year campaign for an independent Tamil homeland.
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GOOD! Now he can canvass the votes of the armed forces for the general elections from this venue-very close to all the military areas.
Very Good Decesion from court. Now he can join with President.
mee geeni saha beena danuna mun okkoma rata kanna hadala den mee monawada kiyanne,
That’s agood decision. Even Anoma Akka is happy about the decision; Please note her broad smile. Every citizen must be happy too. The Sihala people in the south; happy becuse he betrayed the country; The tamil people in the north and east; he killed more than 40,000 of their brothers and sisters.
Only Somawansa is unhappy; he is going to miss his truly beloved friend.
He is going to be kept inside till April 26th. By that time, King Mahinda will have 2/3rd majority in parliament. The constitution can be amended to keep this guy in custody forever. He is a threat to national security.
Fonseka’s friends in the West, Robert Blake, Liam Fox, Navi Pillai all will be sad too.
Sister Anoma, please look for lots of fish; the Guy is going to need lots ambul thial in his bangalow.
Mee “Genaralayawa” amaruwe damme JVP Hora gediyo-tikai Moda Ranilui set welane.
kalaweddai Mangalai, Paraha Somawansayai, Neecha Ranilui thamai Sarathta oya leda okkoma dala dunne.
kalawedi Mangalai, Paraha Somawansayai, Neecha Ranilui thamai Sarathta oya leda okkoma dala dunne.
pls release National HEaro SF