Pastor Fernando granted bail on strict conditions

Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (03) granted bail to self-styled ‘prophet’ Jerome Fernando, who was held on remand for having made derogatory statements against various religious figures, including the Buddha.

Pastor Jerome, arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was required to furnish cash bail of Rs. 500,000 and two personal sureties of Rs. 10 million each, as per the order issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage.

The Court imposed travel restrictions on Pastor Jerome, prohibiting him from leaving the country. He was also ordered to refrain from making any such statements in the future that could disturb religious harmony.

The controversial pastor was taken into custody on 01 Dec., after a video of one of his sermons, containing alleged derogatory statements, went viral on social media.

Pastor Jerome provided a statement to the CID on 30 Nov., after the Court of Appeal ordered the CID not to arrest him on his arrival in Sri Lanka.

Fernando was also ordered to make a statement to the CID’s Cyber Crime Investigation Division within 48 hours of his return.

After months of controversy over his remarks, Fernando returned on 29 Nov., 2023.