FBI obtained access to Easter Sunday evidence through proper legal channels : Police

The FBI obtained access to Easter Sunday attack evidence after following proper legal procedure, Police said today (Aug 30) refuting claims that the organization hampered local investigations.

Ven. Medagoda Abeytissa Thero yesterday told a news conference that investigations into the terrorist attacks were affected since the FBI had allegedly obtained samples relating to the carnage, preventing local investigators from carrying out their duties.

However, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said that the FBI had appeared before the court and had obtained samples of the explosives used, and blood samples of the bombers after receiving court authorisation.

The FBI had told court that they would be extending their support in the investigations and that they were willing to appear for hearings if required, he said.

Mr. Gunasekara added that the FBI had also sought the approval of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to obtain the samples and that the organisation had assisted the CID in its ongoing investigations.