Magisterial inquiry against Fr. Pieris on 01 Sept.

By Chitra Weerarathne

The Magisterial inquiry against Reverend Father Amila Jeevantha Pieris is to be next called before Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage on September 01.

The priest is suspected of having defied a magisterial order when he took part in a protest march along York Street, Fort.

The Magistrate was informed by the counsel for the priest that Fr. Pieris was sympathetic to the poor and the needy. That was the reason why he had taken part in streets protests.

The priest has filed a fundamental rights violation petition in the Supreme Court, stating that there was the possibility of the police arresting him over his participation in protests.

However, the Senior State Counsel Shamindra Wickrama strongly objected to the fundamental rights violation petition asserting that the priest was attempting to halt the magisterial inquiry by moving the Supreme Court.

Rienzi Arsecularatne, PC, appeared with Chamindri Arsecularatne for the Fr. Pieris.

The Magistrate at the last hearing granted surety bail to the priest but imposed a travel ban on him.