Azath Salley arrested over links to Easter attacks – Minister Weerasekera (Video)

March 17, 2021 at 5:55 PM

A detention order was issued today under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) on former Western Province Governor Azath Salley, the Police said.

Salley was arrested yesterday by the Criminal Investigations Department on the directive of the Attorney General over a speech made on 10 March.

A pistol was also recovered in Azath Salley’s vehicle at the time of his arrest.

The Police said Salley was detained and questioned under the provisions of the PTA.
Commenting on Salley’s arrest, Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara told reporters today that he was arrested over suspected links to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

He also stated that Salley’s recent statements about the Shari’a law and the State’s law could incite extremism and could lead to terrorism.

The Minister further said investigations have revealed that Azath Salley is also connected for the destruction of a Buddha statue in Mawanella. (NewsWire)