Jaffna Mayor V. Manivannan who was arrested by the TID early this morning under the Prevention of Terrorism Act has been granted bail.
“Manivannan enlarged on bail. B-report not filed under PTA but under Penal Code. Visibly angry Manivannan outside court says Police acted to undermine the democratically elected Jaffna Municipal Council. Says will pursue legal action against the Police” Lawyer K. Guruparan tweeted.
Mayor of Jaffna, V. Manivannan was arrested following an investigation into the uniforms of a Jaffna Municipal Council new unit.
Yesterday, Jaffna Police had taken into custody uniforms of the newly- established unit due to its similarity to the uniform of the banned terrorist outfit LTTE.
US ambassador had earlier tweeted expressing her worry over the arrest.
Arrest of Jaffna Mayor is worrisome. Having strong rule of law (with judicial safeguards) is a better way to fight terrorism while protecting everyone’s basic freedom.
— Ambassador Teplitz (@USAmbSLM) April 9, 2021
