Two retired soldiers arrested over journalist Keith Noyahr’s abduction

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction and severe assault of Sri Lankan journalist Keith Noyahr.

The suspects were taken into custody yesterday (March 1) by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the Nawagattegama and Elayapaththuwa police divisions.

Keith Noyahr, a former deputy editor of the English weekly newspaper Nation, was abducted on May 22, 2008, near his home on Waidya Road, Dehiwala.

A day later, he was dropped off near his residence, badly beaten and bruised. He spent several days in the hospital after the attack before leaving the country.

According to the police, the arrested suspects are two retired soldiers, aged 42 and 46, who were formerly attached to the Army Intelligence Unit. They reside in Nawagattegama and Ulukkulama.

Several suspects, including military personnel, had previously been arrested in connection with the incident.

The CID is conducting further investigations into the case.

---

UPDATE – 04:10 PM:

The two former Sri Lanka Army Intelligence personnel who were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr in May 2008 have been granted bail by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court.

Accordingly, the two suspects were ordered to be released on two surety bails of Rs. 1 million each.