'Lawyers for Democracy' expresses concern over Presidential pardon to Gnanasara Thero

The Lawyers for Democaracy (LfD) movement has expressed concern over reports of a possible presidential pardon on Rev. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero.

Issuing a press release, the LfD movement said that the Thero is well known for his aggressive conduct and inciting of violence, particularly communal hatred.

On the same lines, the release added saying it is unfortunate that no legal measures have been taken against him so far except over contempt of court and the intimidation of Sandya Ekneligoda - the wife of missing journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda.

The LfD movement noted that the President's power to pardon is subject to judicial review. The movement also said that reports should be called from the Attorney General and the Justice Minister in this regard.

The grant of Presidential pardon to Gnanasara Thero over contempt of court would signal to the public that it is possible to act in such a threatening manner within the court room, the release said.

The lawyers' movement also claimed that reports which justify the pardoning of the Thero for his services towards Bhuddism was vested with political interest.

"Rev. Gnanasara is seen an aggressive violent individual who worked against ethnic and religious harmony of this country and who was an active politician" the Lfd said.

The release also pointed out that Thero has been previously convicted over several other offences while some cases have not yet concluded.