PHU files FR petition seeking interim order on arrest of Madhumadhava Aravinda

The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) today (May 23) filed a fundamental rights petition at the Supreme Court seeking an interim order, to prevent the arrest of Madhumadhava Aravinda.

"The government is using the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as a tool against the opposition and anti-government forces," PHU Propoganda Secretary attorney Thushara Dissanayake told reporters after filing the petition.

He pointed out that a Grama Niladhari officer and an assistant at the Minuawangoda temple had also been arrested under the ICCPR for attending a meeting at the temple before being released yesterday.

The PHU's Propoganda Secretary noted that plans were underway to arrest the party's Deputy Leader Madhumadhava Aravinda over the Minuwangoda riots. He added that charges are expected to be filed against him under Sections 3(1) and 3(3) of the ICCPR.

"The government is trying to curb the power of the oppoisition in line with the upcoming presidential elections by imprisoning such individuals," Attorney Dissanayake claimed.

Accordingly, he said that he would prove their case before the Supreme Court in order to obtain the expected relief by preventing Mr. Aravinda's arrest.